Columbus, Ohio – Ohio is seeing real progress in reducing distracted driving incidents two years after Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 288 into law. The legislation, which made using handheld electronic devices while driving a primary offense, officially took effect in April 2023. Now, updated figures from law enforcement and safety organizations show that the law is working—and saving lives.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, traffic crashes in Ohio have dropped by 8% since the law was enacted. Injuries resulting from those crashes are down 3%, while fatalities have decreased by 4%. The law has also influenced driver behavior. Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT) data shows a 10% decrease in cell phone usage among Ohio drivers participating in safety incentive programs. The organization estimates the law has prevented $337 million in economic damages so far.
Positive Changes but Ongoing Challenges
Despite these promising results, distracted driving remains a serious issue across the state. In 2024 alone, there were 8,571 crashes linked to distracted driving. These collisions resulted in 29 deaths and more than 4,400 injuries. About 36% of these incidents occurred at intersections—where alert driving is crucial for the safety of both motorists and pedestrians.
Governor DeWine praised drivers who have changed their habits but emphasized that more progress is needed. “We’re certainly seeing less distracted driving than before the law went into effect, but we still have a long way to go,” he said. “Distracted-driving crashes are completely avoidable.”
When and Where Distracted Driving Happens Most
Data shows that weekday afternoons and weekends after 10 a.m. are peak times for distracted driving. Most of these crashes occurred on roads with speed limits of 35 MPH, followed by 25 MPH and 55 MPH zones. However, the most deadly crashes related to distracted driving were found on 55 MPH roads.
The top five counties in Ohio for distracted driving crashes between 2020 and 2024 were Cuyahoga, Hamilton, Franklin, Montgomery, and Lucas.
Younger drivers, especially males under 35, were the most common offenders. Between 2019 and 2024, 63% of crashes involved drivers 35 or younger, and 60% of those drivers were male.
Penalties and Prevention Efforts
The penalties for distracted driving in Ohio are stiff. First-time offenders can expect a minimum fine of $150, and fines increase with repeat offenses. Violations that occur in construction zones are subject to double the penalty. Drivers at fault in a crash may also face increased insurance costs—up to $1,110 more annually for full coverage, according to NerdWallet.
To help drivers understand the consequences and change their behavior, Ohio launched an online distracted driving course through the Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO). Since enforcement began in October 2023, more than 25,000 drivers have completed the course. First-time offenders who present a certificate of completion can receive reduced fines and points on their record. The cities with the most course completions include Columbus, Toledo, Cincinnati, Lorain, Youngstown, Elyria, Akron, Lima, Ashtabula, and Mansfield.
Staying Safe Behind the Wheel
Law enforcement continues to crack down on distracted drivers. “Ohio’s hands-free law is saving lives,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, superintendent of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. “But the responsibility on the road starts with every driver.”
Officials encourage motorists to keep their phones out of reach while driving. Passengers can help by managing GPS or responding to messages. Ultimately, any task that takes your eyes off the road or your mind off driving is a potential danger.
As National Distracted Driving Awareness Month continues, Ohio leaders remain committed to reducing risks and keeping roads safe.
