Ohio Governor Mike DeWine launched a new statewide public awareness campaign to draw attention to Ohio’s new distracted driving laws, which went into effect on Tuesday.
The new law forbids anyone operating a vehicle within the state from using or holding a smartphone or other electronic device.
According to DeWine, the new law will affect positive behavior changes and will help save lives in Ohio.
“Distracted driving crashes aren’t accidents, they’re the result of drivers who make the choice to divert their attention away from the road and risk their lives and the lives of everyone around them. Far too many people have been seriously injured and killed in Ohio because of poor choices behind the wheel, and we are certain that this new law will influence positive changes in behavior and save lives as a result,” DeWine said.
The campaign includes a new website, billboards, printable posters, fact sheets, presentation slides, tip cards, social media, radio, and television advertisements.
Additionally, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is putting up signs throughout the state to inform drivers of the rules. These include 19 signs at exits from Ohio’s biggest passenger airports in Akron, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Toledo, as well as 45 signs at the state’s boundary on U.S. roads and interstates.
On January 2nd, DeWine signed the state’s enhanced distracted driving law which was part of Senate Bill (SB) 288, sponsored by State Senator Nathan Manning (R-North Ridgeville). The bill was initially part of House Bill (HB) 283, sponsored by State Representatives Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison) and Brian Lampton (R-Beavercreek).
It makes using a cell phone or other electronic device while driving a primary traffic offense for all motorists and gives law enforcement the right to stop a distracted driver right away after noticing a violation. Previously, law enforcement could only stop juvenile drivers for using a smartphone while driving.
There are some exceptions to the law, including allowing adult drivers to make or receive calls while using a hands-free device, using a GPS if they begin navigation before getting on the road, or stopping at a traffic light or parked on a road or highway during an emergency or road closure. They can also hold their phone to their ears during phone conversations.
For the first six months, starting on Tuesday, law officials will issue warnings. After that, beginning on October 4th, officers will start issuing tickets, and subsequent offenses will result in harsher punishments. A driver’s license can receive two points and a fee of up to $150 for the first infraction within two years. But an individual can avoid the points and fine by finishing a distracted driving training class.
Three points and a $250 maximum punishment are added for a second infraction within two years. Any future infractions would result in the license receiving four points, a possible $500 fine, and a potential 90-day license suspension.
Any penalties imposed will double if the infraction takes place in a work zone.
According to a recent survey by Nationwide Insurance, 42 percent of drivers in Ohio admitted to using a handheld device to make a phone conversation while driving, 25 percent admitted to texting while driving, 10 percent admitted to using a video chat app while driving, and 5 percent admitted to watching TV or a movie.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol reports that distracted driving has been a factor in at least 60,421 accidents and 209 fatalities in Ohio over the last five years, though this number is likely considerably underreported.
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Hannah Poling is a lead reporter at The Ohio Star and The Star News Network. Follow Hannah on Twitter @HannahPoling1. Email tips to [email protected].
