The Case for a Hands-Free Ohio

Despite increased public awareness and education efforts, distracted driving continues to needlessly injure and claim the lives of thousands of Americans every year. Ohio trails the majority of states in enacting primary enforcement hands-free laws and must address this growing concern.

Fatalities in Ohio have risen six of the past seven years, and overall crashes in Ohio remain persistently high at a time when vehicles themselves are getting safer. In 2020, travel in Ohio was down about 17% and traffic deaths rose 7% compared to 2019. Ohio ended 2020 with 1,237 traffic deaths—82 more than the 1,155 reported in 2019. This rise is directly correlated to more people now having smartphones, leading to an increase in active distraction while behind the wheel. Reducing this active distraction will help save lives.

In an effort to help combat the dangers of distracted driving, FOR Ohio is supporting Governor Mike DeWine’s “Hands-Free Ohio” bill, which is included in House Bill 74 (as introduced), the state’s 2022-23 transportation budget. With limited exceptions, this legislation would make driving while handling any electronic wireless device a primary offense. This includes, but is not limited to, writing, sending, or reading text-based communications; watching or recording videos; taking photos or looking at images; livestreaming; using apps; entering information into GPS navigation programs; dialing phone numbers; or holding a device for a phone call. It would also increase fines for drivers with multiple distracted driving offenses. In cases where a driver using a device causes serious injury or death, the penalties will mirror those for drunken driving.