How have Ohios distracted driving rates changed with phone restriction law? [Video]

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A new report shows a “notable” decrease in distracted driving in Ohio since a law making it illegal for drivers to hold a cellphone in most instances was passed in April 2023.

Cambridge Mobile Telematics, the world’s largest telematics service provider, has been monitoring the impact of Ohio’s distracted driving law over the past year. Usage-based insurance programs use CMT’s data to offer discounts to drivers. This involves downloading an app that has CMT’s technology in it, which analyzes sensor data from phones. CMT then tracks “phone motion events,” which occur when a driver handles their phone with the screen on while the vehicle is moving over 9.3 mph.

CMT’s phone motion data analysis found an 8.6% decrease in distracted driving in Ohio since the distracted driving law took effect. An estimated 3,600 crashes, 2,000 injuries, 17 fatalities and $144 million in economic damages were prevented due to …