Distracted fatal crashes dropped 19% in past year
MAUMEE – Just one year after Ohio’s hands-free motor vehicle law took effect, it appears drivers are heeding the call.
Ohio State Highway Patrol Sgt. Ryan Purpura said during a press conference on Tuesday at the ODOT Maumee garage that the effectiveness of the distracted driving law has been “truly successful.”
He credits the success to a six-month educational campaign conducted by law enforcement, which took place between April, when the law passed, and October 2023, when it went into effect.
The Patrol reported a 19-percent reduction in fatal crashes attributed to distracted driving over the previous year, despite issuing 25,000 citations this year. He also noted there were 15,400 fewer crashes.
For those unfamiliar with the law, it prohibits drivers from dialing a phone number, updating or browsing social media, browsing online, playing games, sending text messages, video calling or FaceTime, watching videos, or recording or streaming videos.
Drivers over the age of 18 can use hands-free devices that includes speakerphone in the cradle, earpiece, wireless headset, electronic watch and connecting a phone to the vehicle. These devices can only be activated or deactivated with a single touch or swipe.
Purpura pointed out that distracted driving is not limited to electronic equipment. A driver could be day dreaming, reaching for something, applying makeup or eating.
“Anything that takes your eyes off the road is considered distracted driving,” he said.
There are a few exceptions. Drivers may use their phone to report an emergency or when parked on the side of the road.
Purpura, a spokesman for the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and Heather Jendruch, ODOT highway technician, urge drivers to put down their phones and stay focused on the road. It is especially important when driving in construction zones, particularly when crews are working at night, Jendruch advised.
“Pay attention. It’s not only our lives, but theirs too,” she added, “It’s important to be safe. We all want to get home safely at the end of the day.”
To learn more about the hands-free law, go to HANDS FREE.
