Ohio Distracted Driving Law Overview

In an age where your cell phone is always an arm's reach away, distracted driving has become more prevalent and dangerous than ever. To stay safe on the road and avoid criminal charges, we're going to share with you what you need to know about the Ohio distracted driving law.

What is the Texting and Driving Law in Ohio?

The Ohio distracted driving law is currently being debated in the Ohio Legislature House Bill 283. If passed, it would make texting while driving a primary offense for drivers of all ages. This would mean that officers could pull you over if they saw you texting while driving or talking on the phone, even if you were not breaking any other laws of driving.  The proposed law would also make it illegal to use any electronic device while driving, including cell phones, laptops and tablets. Currently, Ohio is one of only a handful of states that does not have a primary texting and driving law. If you are caught texting and driving in Ohio, you can be fined up to $300, but the average fine is $150. Teens can also have their licenses suspended for 60 days.

Distracted Driving Law Related Accidents in the U.S.

So, what are the most common distractors for drivers?According to a 2021 survey from The Zebra, 52.5 percent of respondents admitted to eating while driving. Following that, 23.6 percent said they text while driving, 11.7 percent take photos, and 6.5 percent apply makeup. And most dangerous of all is the 3.4 percent of respondents who said they've participated in drinking and driving.These numbers show that distracted driving is a significant problem on the roads today. In Ohio, the most common way people are breaking the Ohio distracted driving law is by using a phone while driving. So, if you text and drive, it's probably best to end this bad habit.

How Common is Distracted Driving in the U.S.?

As reported by the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration, nine people on average are killed in the U.S. from distracted driving each day. In 2020, 3,142 lives were taken from distracted driving. That's 8.1 percent of all fatalities in 2020, and a 0.7-percent increase from 3,119 in 2019.And since the state of Ohio plays a role in these statistics, it only re-affirms how the Ohio distracted driving law should always be followed to keep the roads as safe as possible.We hope this article has given you a proper insight into the Ohio distracted driving law and how you can avoid getting yourself and others into an accident that could lead to legal repercussions.However, if you find yourself in need of a reliable personal injury attorney, Kevin Sandel of Sandel Law Firm is here to help.Book a FREE consultation today toll-free at 844-763-5529.