Every state in the country has some sort of law regarding distracted driving. For instance, in each state, texting while driving is banned for drivers of all ages and in many, it’s considered a secondary offence. Many states also have laws about using hand-held devices while operating a vehicle, too, and for good reason. Did you know that when you’re sending or reading a text, your eyes are not on the road for around five seconds? While this might not seem like a huge deal, at 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.
Ohio Passes House Bill 95 in October 2018 to Combat Distracted Driving
On October 29, House Bill 95 became law and established a unique approach to combating distracted driving by enhancing a driver’s existing moving violations. In other words, a law enforcement officer only had to prove that a moving violation occurred and that the driver was distracted at the time. He or she no longer needs to prove that drivers were texting or otherwise on their cell phones.
When drivers commit a specific moving violation while distracted, they will be charged an additional fine on top of the other fines they’re charged for the first violation. Or, drivers may choose to complete a distracted driver course. For example, if a driver is caught swerving outside their lane while engaging in some sort of distracted behavior, he or she will face a fine of up to $100 on top of the lane violation fine. Instead of paying this additional fine, the driver can take the one-hour distracted driver course.
Fast Facts about Distracted Driving
Flipping through the radio stations, fiddling with your navigation system, applying makeup, eating a burger you just picked up at the drive-thru window, and of course, texting a friend that you’re on your way – these are all forms of distracted driving that can result in a terrible accident. Any activity that takes your focus away from driving your car is considered distracted behavior.
A few facts about distracted driving that all drivers should know include:
- In 2016, 3,450 people were killed due to a distracted driver
- 9 people in the United States are killed each day as a result of crashes involving a distracted driver
- Drivers in their 20s make up 27 percent of distracted drivers involved in fatal crashes
- The number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities caused by distracted driving are believed to be vastly under reported
- Distracted driving accounts for approximately 25 percent of all motor vehicle crash fatalities
Drive Team offers teen driving classes and corporate driver training to teach drivers of all ages how to be safe, confident and conscientious while behind the wheel. Contact us today for more information.