Ohio – In a new statewide analysis released by Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT), Ohio has emerged as a national leader in curbing distracted driving, with data revealing that drivers in the Buckeye State are less likely to engage in phone-related distractions compared to the national average. From January through December 2025, Ohio drivers tapped on their phones 7.2% less than drivers nationwide, averaging 21.9 taps per 100 miles compared to the U.S. average of 23.6.
Governor Mike DeWine praised the findings, while urging drivers to continue improving their habits. “A moment of inattention on the road can be all it takes to cause a devastating crash,” said Governor DeWine. “Although drivers in Ohio are keeping their eyes on the road more often than the nationwide average, I encourage more drivers to put their phones down as they travel. Nothing on your phone is worth risking your life for.”
The results follow the enactment of Ohio’s hands-free law in 2023, signed by Governor DeWine, which prohibits holding or using a cell phone while driving, with limited exceptions. Although talking on a handheld phone while driving is still legal, CMT’s study found that Ohio drivers spent less time doing so than drivers elsewhere—0.78% of drive time in Ohio compared to the national average of 0.82%.
Measurable Improvements and Data Insights
State leaders credit both the legislation and increased public awareness for the decline in distracted driving and subsequent reduction in crash-related fatalities. Preliminary data from 2025 shows traffic deaths fell 3% compared to 2024, marking the fourth consecutive year of decline.
“Every time a driver chooses to put their phone down, they are making our roads safer for everyone,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “While our troopers continue to see the positive impact of this law through fewer crashes, our goal remains zero.”
CMT gathered data from over 189 million trips across Ohio, utilizing artificial intelligence and smartphone sensors to detect behaviors such as hard braking, rapid acceleration, speeding, and phone usage while driving. The data, which is anonymized and aggregated, offers a clearer picture of driver behavior across regions, helping identify risk areas and target public safety campaigns.
“Ohio’s results show the measurable impact of hands-free laws on real driving behavior,” said Sam Madden, Co-Founder and Chief Scientist at CMT. “Until recently, capturing that impact at this scale and speed wasn’t possible. By applying artificial intelligence to smartphone sensor data, we can quantify road risk with unprecedented precision, see how it changes over time and location, and use those insights to prevent crashes.”
County-by-County Breakdown Highlights Risk Zones
CMT’s study also examined trends across Ohio’s 88 counties. Ten counties exceeded national averages for both phone tapping and handheld call usage—Adams, Butler, Cuyahoga, Gallia, Hamilton, Highland, Lawrence, Montgomery, Scioto, and Stark.
Counties with the lowest handheld call usage included Harrison, Meigs, and Hocking. Drivers in Morrow, Madison, and Fayette counties showed the least phone tapping, while Highland, Seneca, and Butler counties topped the list for most taps.
Ohio Department of Transportation Director Pamela Boratyn noted the progress but emphasized ongoing risk. “Ohio’s progress is worth celebrating. However, we still see too many drivers focused on their phones instead of the road. This puts travelers and our roadside workers at risk. So please follow the law and put your phone down to ensure everyone gets to their destination or home safely.”
Enforcement and Penalties Under Ohio’s Distracted Driving Law
Under the law passed in 2023, distracted driving is now a primary offense in Ohio. Law enforcement officers can stop a driver solely for using or holding a phone. First-time offenders within two years face two points on their license and a fine of up to $150, which can be waived upon completion of a distracted driving safety course.
Repeat offenses result in higher penalties. A second offense within two years leads to three points and up to a $250 fine, while three or more offenses in that period can bring four points, a $500 fine, and a potential 90-day license suspension. Fines double if the violation occurs in a work zone.
Nationwide CEO Kirt Walker commended the findings, stating, “CMT’s data confirms what we’ve long believed – Ohio’s Hands-Free law is making a profound difference in preventing distracted driving and making our roadways safer. We applaud Gov. DeWine and the Ohio legislature for championing this important issue.”
More details about the law and resources for safer driving can be found at PhonesDown.Ohio.gov.
