Distracted driving poses a serious threat to safety on US roads, causing countless accidents every year. Between visual, manual, and mental distractions, drivers face numerous obstacles that can pull their attention away from the critical task at hand: driving.
However, there's good news for Ohio drivers. The state has taken a major step to combat distracted driving by implementing a hands-free driving law set to take effect in early April, 90 days after the bill was signed. This new law aims to create safer roads and (safe drivers) by mitigating the number of distractions drivers face when behind the wheel.
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Ohio's Current Hands-Free Driving Laws are Limited:
Before 4/4/23, Ohio's measures to prevent distracted driving caused by cell phones were limited largely to a secondary offense. Unless the individual was under the age of 18, law enforcement could not stop a driver for using their phone while driving.
The new law, however, is much more comprehensive.
So, What’s Changing?
Under the new law, drivers will be prohibited from using handheld electronic devices while driving. This includes texting, making phone calls (without the use of hands-free technology), and browsing the internet.
There are few exceptions to this rule:
- Drivers are allowed to use a phone when the vehicle is parked or stopped at a red light
- Drivers are allowed to swipe their screens to answer a call
- Holding a cell phone to your ear during phone calls is allowed
- Emergency calls will not be restricted
- Use of a GPS function or navigation ONLY if the device is mounted on the dash or console.
When Does the New Law Go into Effect?
The enhanced law will take effect on 4/4/23 and the penalties for violating the new law scale with previous driving offenses.
Penalties include:
- First offense: A fine of up to $150 and two points on one’s license.
- Second offense within two years: A fine of up to $250 and three points on one’s license.
- Third offense within two years: A fine of up to $500, four points on one’s license, and a 90-day license suspension.
- Fines are doubled if the offense occurs in a construction zone.
- A first offender may take a distracted driving class to avoid the fine and points.
The Dangers of Distracted Driving:
Even though this new law is aimed at reducing the number of distracted drivers on the road, it’s important to remember that using a handheld phone while driving can also cause delayed reaction times, decreased situational awareness, and increased risk of a crash.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, distracted driving played a factor in 3.8% of Ohio crashes in 2022, and 4.4% of all crashes in 2021. From 2018-2022 distracted driving-related crashes have occurred over 60,000 times on Ohio roads.
OSTATS interactive crash dashboard:
https://statepatrol.ohio.gov/dashboards-statistics/ostats-dashboards/crash-dashboard
Buckle Up. Phone Down.
With the implementation of this new law, Ohio finds itself in good company, joining states like California, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington, which have similar hands-free laws aimed at mitigating the danger distracted drivers pose on roads.
By enacting the hands-free law, Ohio is taking a proactive step to reduce the number of accidents caused by distracted driving and make the roads safer for everyone.
Resources:
Senate Bill 288: https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/134/sb288
OHSP Distracted Driving Dashboard: https://statepatrol.ohio.gov/dashboards-statistics/ostats-dashboards/distracted-driving-dashboard
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