Ohio made texting while driving a primary offense just over a year ago. It has been over six months since the law’s grace period ended and authorities stopped issuing warnings and started issuing tickets for people who do not put their phones down while driving.

But is the potential of big fines enough to convince drivers to pay more attention?

If you look at the numbers, one could argue it is working. The Ohio State Highway Patrol says distracted driving crashes are down this year.

But despite the data, drivers tell WTOL 11 it’s still happening.

“I’ve never seen more telephones now since the new laws are out,” said Ron Jurski, who lives in Toledo.

“I haven’t really noticed a change,” Emil Cotton, a Toledoan, said. “I know I try to be careful, but I haven’t really noticed a change myself.”

In this case, perception isn’t really reality when you look at the numbers. In 2023, there were 28 distracted driving-related fatal crashes in Ohio, which is the fewest distracted driving-related deaths over the last five years, according to OSHP.

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https://www.wtol.com/article/news/local/cracking-down-on-distracted-driving-in-ohio-state-highway-patrol-data-shows-effects/512-41b2ccf4-fddf-4910-9f80-12f035807e5a