A recent study by Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT) reveals that Ohio drivers are less distracted compared to the national average. The analysis shows that Ohio drivers tapped their phones 7.2% less than the average U.S. driver in 2025, with Ohio averaging 21.9 phone taps per 100 miles compared to the national average of 23.6.
Governor DeWine emphasized the importance of reducing distractions, stating, “Although drivers in Ohio are keeping their eyes on the road more often than the nationwide average, I encourage more drivers to put their phones down as they travel.” In 2023, a law was signed prohibiting most uses of cell phones while driving in Ohio. Despite this, handheld phone call rates remain slightly lower than the national average.
Colonel Charles A. Jones noted a positive impact from this law, highlighting a reduction in crashes and a 3% decrease in traffic deaths for 2025 compared to the previous year. CMT’s study involved analyzing over 189 million trips using AI technology to detect risky behaviors like distracted driving.
Sam Madden from CMT said, “Ohio’s results show the measurable impact of hands-free laws on real driving behavior.” The study also provided a county-by-county analysis within Ohio, identifying areas with higher and lower rates of phone use while driving.
Pamela Boratyn from the Ohio Department of Transportation urged drivers to comply with the law for safety reasons. Kirt Walker from Nationwide praised the state’s efforts and advocated for similar laws nationwide.
The distracted driving law allows hands-free technology but prohibits activities like texting or holding a phone while driving. Penalties include fines and points on licenses, with increased penalties for repeat offenses or violations in work zones.
More information about Ohio’s distracted driving law is available at PhonesDown.Ohio.gov.
