One year later: Distracted driving down after new law went into effect in Ohio
Data shows that Ohio’s strengthened distracted driving law, which went into effect a year ago, has had a positive impact on roadways.
According to Cambridge Mobile Telematics, distracted driving has decreased by 8.6% overall in Ohio since last April.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said the data is encouraging.
“Most distracted driving can be attributed to cell phone use, and this new report shows that Ohioans are committed to reducing this dangerous behavior,” said Gov. DeWine. “Distracted driving puts everyone on our roads at risk, and it’s clear this new law is saving lives.”
Has the new Distracted Driving Law saved lives?
CMT data revealed the decrease in distracted driving helped prevent “3,600 crashes, 2,000 injuries, 17 fatalities and $144 million in economic damage.”
“We’re on a long-term journey to change behavior. Electronic distractions are as dangerous as driving impaired by drugs or alcohol and deserve the same stigma,” said Jack Marchbanks, director of the Ohio Department of Transportation.
Drivers spent an average of 1 minute and 42 seconds interacting with their phones for every hour of driving before the strengthened law went into effect.
One month into the distracted driving enforcement law, it dropped to 1 minute and 30 seconds.
April is National Distracted Driving Awareness month and Ohio drivers will see and hear more “Phones Down; It’s The Law” campaign ads during their commutes.
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“This new data is indisputable evidence that strong laws, strict enforcement, and public awareness are the keys to preventing crashes and saving lives,” said Emily Davidson, executive director of the Ohio Traffic Safety Office. “Ending distracted driving is a priority, and we are excited to see that we are on the right track to making our streets and highways safer.”
