Ohio Distracted Driving Law Moves From Warnings to Tickets on Thursday

Recently, Ohio law enforcement has shifted its focus towards distracted driving, with people primarily stuck to their mobiles. This article talks about consequences of the status of moving from warnings to issuing tickets. Read on to delve into the efforts of Ohio State Patrol officers, victims who suffered due to accidents caused by distracted drivers, and more.

Of late, many commuters are seen clinging to their mobile phones even while driving on busy highways. Sergeant Ross of the Ohio State Patrol says,” Commuting to and from work, I see it all the time.”

Ross clearly understands and looks for ways to make people realize they are addicted to technology or gadgets like mobiles. The cultural shift makes people remain tied to their mobiles regardless of the required attention while driving. Ross says that all the way from their home to work and back again in the vehicle, they are stuck to their handsets.

Ross said, “People are always on their phones. We understand that. But it can’t be behind the wheel of a vehicle. We have to eliminate those distractions.”

According to Ross, this is not a good practice and needs to be immediately addressed. It is applicable to everyone in Ohio. Those under 18 are liable to a penalty even if they are on their mobiles while driving hands-free within the state.

Statistics indicate that there have been close to 4000 warnings since April when the law entered its grace period. While this extended period expires at midnight, there are countless exceptions, 911 emergency calls, and more.

There are other aspects to the law. You can talk or send text messages when the traffic light is red. However, once it turns green, it would be illegal to do any such activity on your mobile. Besides, the law prohibits anyone from having the phone on their lap. To scroll pages on social media, update your Facebook page, or send text messages, you must hold it in your hand.

At a single stroke, you are allowed to take the mobile to your ear and respond to a call. However, you can’t keep it in front of you while driving or do other things with it. The whole purpose of all these warnings or guidelines is to make drivers pay their rapt attention while driving to eliminate the risk of accidents.

As per the statistics from State Patrol, there have been over 60,000 crashes in the Buckeye State, and most of them took place due to distracted driving. The majority of them have been cases of rear-end collisions. To gain an insight into the legal perspectives, you may seek professional guidance from Milwaukee personal injury attorneys.

Several people fell victim to these accidents and suffered major injuries.

Armani Griffin, who was injured in a crash on the West S carries a scar due to the surgery performed four years ago. She is happy to see that the enforcement is getting into action.

She mentioned,” He was driving a Jeep Wrangler. He admitted in the police report that he was on his phone, not paying attention.”

Talina Jones, who lives in Kentucky but often crosses Ohio, said that this gesture will make the drivers think before they take the risk of paying a hefty fine.

Jones says,” I think, you know, that’s the goal that they’re trying to achieve. I think it would definitely help them with achieving it.”

According to the enforcement, first-time offenders would be fined $150 and would lose two points on their license. Second-time offenders would be charged $250 and lose three points on their license. In a further case of a third-time offense, the driver would be heavily fined up to $500 and may lose the license for nearly three months.

Kurtis Rohan, a resident of Oakley, hopes that motorcyclists would pay attention to the legal consequences and mend their driving behavior accordingly.

Rohan said,” I drive a stick, so it’s kind of I’m always focused on the vehicle and the car. But I think everyone kind of needs to pay a little more attention. I mean, someone’s life could be at risk. You turn around a corner, a kid could be walking across the street. So, I think it’s a good thing.”

It must be kept in mind that while our handsets weigh a few ounces, the vehicles we drive are much heavier and, if not managed properly, could be dangerous to someone’s life.

According to the State Patrol data, during the warning period, there were 1200 fewer cases of crashes in Ohio caused due to distracted driving than at the same time frame, a year back.

The Patrol Department looks encouraged, however, they are aiming at a greater degree of compliance across the state.