New Law to Curb Distracted Driving in Ohio

texting while driving

On March 1, 2013, a new state law aimed at reducing distracted driving took effect. The law is intended to save lives. Lawmakers and law enforcement hope the measure reduces death and damage caused by use of personal electronic devices while driving.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), during daylight hours about 800,000 cars are being operated by someone using a hand-held cell phone. In 2010, NHTSA estimates 300,000 people died in vehicle accidents caused by distracted drivers. These numbers demand attention to the issue.

The new Ohio law is similar to texting bans in other states. Features of the law include the following:

  • It is a primary offense for a driver under age 18 to use a personal electronic device while driving. Designation as a primary offense allows law enforcement to stop individuals under 18 observed texting or reading messages while driving. There need be no other reason for the traffic stop.
  • Texting while driving by an individual over age 18 is a secondary offense. This means law enforcement must observe you swerving, weaving or otherwise committing an offense that provided a reason for a traffic stop.

The law prohibits all actions related to manual communication, such as sending, composing receiving or browsing messages, while operating a car. Recent NHTSA studies show the manual and mental distraction of one text takes approximately 23 seconds of time and attention off the road. Deadly automobile accidents can happen in a moment’s glance away from the road.

Our firm represents clients hurt and killed by people who drive distracted. If you are injured by a distracted driver, contact our personal injury law firm for experienced legal representation.