CLEVELAND — New data shows that Ohio's distracted driving law, which went into effect April 4, has so far had an impact on state roadways.
The law makes it illegal in most cases for drivers to use their cell phones or other electronic devices. It's now a primary offense.
Under the previous law, distracted driving was only a primary offense for juvenile drivers, preventing officers from stopping adult distracted drivers unless they committed a different primary traffic violation.
A report released by Cambridge Mobile Telematics, the world's largest telematics service provider, shows there's been a 9.1% reduction in distracted driving, which prevented 540 crashes, one fatality and $13 million in economic damages.
“Ohio’s new law went into effect a little over a month ago, and it’s already making a difference,” said Gov. Mike DeWine in a press release. “I’m glad to see that Ohio drivers are making safety a priority and putting their phones down while they drive.”
The amount of time Ohio drivers used their phones while driving dropped 9 seconds between April 4 to May 3, according to the report.
"We are pleased that Ohio drivers are taking this new law seriously and beginning to change their behavior, but there is still more work to do,” said Emily Davidson, executive director of the Ohio Traffic Safety Office. “There is no acceptable level of distracted driving. This behavior is dangerous and puts everyone on the road at risk. The goal is for all drivers to put their phones down for the entire time they are behind the wheel.”
The week the law went into effect, DeWine launched a public awareness campaign called "Phones Down. It's the Law." The campaign has been spread across billboards, television and radio ads and also has a website. According to the Ohio Department of Public Safety, more than 2,00 campaign materials have been distributed across Ohio as of Wednesday.
“States that pass hands-free laws typically see a decrease in hand-held phone use and crashes. This data shows we’re on the right track to making our streets and highways safer in Ohio,” said Michelle May, manager of ODOT’s Highway Safety Program. “I believe more Ohioans will choose to put their phones downs as they learn about the new law and the dangers of interacting with their screens while driving.”
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, distracted driving has caused more than 60,000 crashes and more than 200 deaths in Ohio over the past five years. These numbers are believed to actually be much higher due to under-reporting.
The law has a six-month grace period in which officers will issue warnings in order to educate drivers about the change. On Oct. 4, officers will begin issuing tickets for violations.
There are some exceptions to the law for adults. Adult drivers are allowed to use a hands-free device to make or accept calls, use GPS if navigation began before getting on the road, and to hold their phone directly to their ear if the device is activated with a single touch or swipe. They are also allowed to use devices while stopped at a traffic light or parked on a road during an emergency or road closure.
All drivers are allowed to use phones at any time to report an emergency to first responders.
Spectrum News 1 Fellow Alexis Schupbach contributed to this story.