April 13 , 2023 The Beacon • 27
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
This year April ’ s National Distracted Driving Awareness Month coincides with the start of stricter distracted driving laws in Ohio , and the Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to keep their eyes and focus on the roadway while driving .
“ Distracted driving is dangerous , irresponsible and just as deadly as driving drunk , and beginning today , distracted driving is now a primary traffic offense in Ohio ,” Gov . Mike DeWine said . “ This new law will undoubtedly save lives and spare many
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Since 2018 , 209 people have lost their lives as a result of distracted driving . During this same time frame , distracted driving led to 62,324 crashes in Ohio with 21,652 resulting in injuries . Because drivers are reluctant to admit to distracted driving , the actual number of distracted driving crashes , injuries and deaths is believed to be significantly higher .
“ Keep your focus on the road ,” said Col . from Page 26
helps refine the tools in your skill set . It immerses you in the culture , the history and the folks behind the curtain that work every day to make our community better ,” Humphreys said .
When asked about the community , Humphreys said , “ Coshocton is a thriving and growing community . There is a lot to do here and has a lot to offer . Coshocton is not trying to be Columbus or Akron / Canton . Don ’ t listen to the naysayers .”
Humphreys also appreciates the small businesses in Coshocton and encourages everyone to support local businesses .
Humphreys is encouraged by events like last summer ’ s concert series to make the county stronger and bring people together . He said the adoption of the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area is positive , increases socialization , and benefits the restaurants and small businesses in downtown Coshocton . He also said the development of the Conesville
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Industrial Park is another means to bring the county together and make it stronger .
Humphreys would recommend Leadership Coshocton to others to help revive the pride in the county , network with many businesses and county leaders , and give back to the community through the group project . “ It ’ s only one day a month , and I look forward to the program days ,” he said .
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Charles A . Jones , patrol superintendent . “ Every time you take your eyes off the road , you ’ re putting the lives of everyone on the road at risk .”
Distracted driving is any nondriving activity with the potential to distract a person from the primary task of driving and increase the risk of crashing . Distractions can be visual , taking eyes off of the road ; manual , taking hands off the wheel ; or cognitive , taking the mind off driving . Texting while driving is an example that results in all three types of distraction . Sending or receiving a text message takes a driver ’ s eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds , the equivalent of driving the length of an entire football field when traveling at 55 mph .
With Ohio ’ s new distracted driving laws now in effect , law-enforcement officers will now have probable cause to
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pull over motorists if they witness them illegally using an electronic communications device to manually input text , dial a phone number , or hold or physically support that device with any part of the person ’ s body while driving . Some exceptions exist , and emergency calls will be permitted in all circumstances .
In early October officers will have the authority to issue citations . Until then , if drivers are stopped , officers will warn drivers and educate them on the dangers of distracted driving . Resources for motorists regarding the new law can be found at www . PhonesDown . Ohio . gov .
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