6 • The Beacon April 17, 2025
Phone usage in car, distracted driving crashes both down
April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and while distracted driving remains a significant concern in Ohio, new data indicates that two years after the state’ s“ phones down” law took effect, Ohio is seeing positive, lifesaving results.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 288 in 2023. The bill strengthened the state’ s distracted driving laws by making it a primary offense to use handheld electronic devices while driving.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the average number of crashes in Ohio has dropped by 8 %, injuries are down 3 %, and traffic fatalities have declined by 4 % since the law took effect in April 2023.
Data from Cambridge Mobile Telematics( CMT)
Submitted
April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and while distracted driving remains a significant concern in Ohio, new data indicates that two years after the state’ s“ phones down” law took effect, Ohio is seeing positive, lifesaving results.
continues to show about a 10 % drop in cell phone use in Ohio among drivers who share their device data as part of employerbased safety programs or
in exchange for insurance discounts. CMT estimates the law has saved Ohio at least $ 337 million in economic damages.
“ We’ re certainly seeing less distracted driving than before the law went into effect, but we still have a long way to go,” DeWine said.“ I appreciate all the drivers who have chosen to stay focused on the road, and I encourage more drivers to do the same. Distracteddriving crashes are completely avoidable.”
While under-reported, there were 8,571 distracted-driving-related crashes on Ohio roadways last year. These crashes resulted in 29 people killed and 4,458 people injured.
Of the distracted driving-related crashes, 36 % occurred at an intersection, which emphasizes the importance of drivers paying attention at intersections where vehicles are turning and people are crossing.
Cell phone data in Ohio and nationwide typically shows that drivers are more distracted Monday through Friday during the afternoon commute. Weekends also see steady distractions after 10 a. m.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol has put enhanced focus on distracted driving over the past two years and will continue to do so during Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
Corrections
“ Ohio’ s hands-free law is saving lives,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, patrol superintendent.“ With increased enforcement, we are seeing fewer crashes – but the responsibility on the road starts with every driver. No distraction is worth the risk.”
As a general rule, activities that take your eyes off the road and your mind off driving for longer periods of time are the most dangerous. Wait to complete these activities when you can stop in a safe place.
— A land transfer was misprinted in the April 10 Beacon. Mahlon R. and Martha E. Yoder did not transfer land to Bryce A. and Courtney A. Pepper.
Menu
A SERVICE OF KNO-HO-CO-ASHLAND CAC
APRIL SOUPS
CREAM OF POTATO or HAM & BEAN
Dine in or take out. Salads are also available with choice of toppings and dressing. 11AM – 1PM $ 3 each
RESERVATIONS ARE REQUESTED FOR DINE-IN. PLEASE MAKE ANY MEAL CANCELLATIONS BY 9:00 AM
MONDAY, APRIL 21 10:00 SENIOR EXERCISE, 10:30 GERI-FIT, 11:00 PENNY BINGO, 11:30 CHILDREN’ S SERVICES LEVY, 12:45 BINGOCIZE, 2:00 COLD CASE CHRISTIANITY BOOK STUDY Taco Salad( Meat & Beans, Lettuce, Tomato, Cheese, Taco Sauce & Sour Cream), Tortilla Chips, Fresh Orange, Rice Krispy Treat & Milk
_____________________
TUESDAY, APRIL 22 8:00 YOGA, 9:15 LINE DANCING, 10:00 MEDITATION, 1:00 BOOK CLUB, 1:00 HAUSEY Shredded Chicken w / Bun, Tater Tots, Creamed Corn, Apricots, Milk
_____________________ WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23 10:00 SENIOR EXERCISE, 10:30 GERI-FIT, 1:00 MOVIE MATINEE – FEVER PITCH Meatball Sub, Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole, Italian Blend Vegetables, Pea Salad, Milk
_____________________ THURSDAY, APRIL 24 8:00 YOGA, 10:30 CHAIR YOGA, 12:45 BINGOCIZE Chili, Baby Bakers, Broccoli & Cheese, Fresh Cut Fruit, Cornbread & Milk
_____________________ FRIDAY, APRIL 25 10:00 SENIOR EXERCISE, 10:30 GERI-FIT, 11:30 BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS W / SHRIVERS HOSPICE, 1:00 EUCHRE Turkey Tetrazzini, Capri Blend Vegetables, Warm Cinnamon Applesauce, Tomato & Cucumber Salad, Bread & Milk
740.622.4852 | 201 Browns Lane, Coshocton | Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm To access ingredient content, please call Bud Moore 740.622.4852 or visit www. knohoco. org
BF-276759
Insurance is all the same... until it isn’ t
Find out today with a complimentary insurance review.
Protecting You & Your Family for Multiple Generations
Contact us for fast and helpful service! bboyer @ boyerins. com
Since 1974
Home • Auto • Life • Farm Financial • Commercial
Call for a FREE Quote! 740-622-2131
225 Chestnut Street, Coshocton – Serving You Since 1974 –
BF-180899