New distracted driving law in effect beginning 4/4 aims to curb cell phone usage at the wheel

Texting and driving might be synonymous with young drivers, but a recent Nationwide Insurance study shows how out of hand things have gotten on the road: one in four Ohioans admit to texting while behind the wheel in the past year. In a bit of related research, over the past five years, distracted driving has accounted for over 60,000 crashes and 209 deaths in Ohio, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

A new law dubbed “Phones Down. It’s the Law” went into effect today and is geared towards cracking down on those numbers. It is now illegal to use or hold a cell phone or electronic device in your hand, lap, or other parts of your body while driving on Ohio roads. However, drivers over 18 years old can make or receive calls via hands-free devices, including: Speakerphone, Earpiece, Wireless Headset, Electronic Watch and Connecting the Phone to Vehicle.

CSU Police Chief Beverly Pettrey says typically, campus police officers provide warnings for violations unless the offense results in an accident or is an extreme safety hazard. However, she believes it will take some time to educate the public.

“I imagine many motorists won’t even realize this law went into effect,” Pettrey said, adding that the simple solution is to put the cellphones away and keep them out of reach while driving. “Even a swipe can be illegal while driving and a reason for an officer to stop you."

The new "Phones Down" law includes a grace period of six months, during which law enforcement will issue warnings in an educational effort to motorists about how to avoid violating the law. Beginning October 4, citations will be issued.