Legislation Expanding Distracted Driving Laws and Punishments Clears House

COLUMBUS – The Ohio House of Representatives today passed legislation, sponsored by State Rep. Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison) and State Rep. Brian Lampton (R-Beavercreek), which expands current language regarding texting and driving.

“Every day we travel on our roadways, we see someone looking at their phone, swerving around,” Abrams said. “House Bill 283 will make our state a safer place to travel and reduce the amount of deaths and injuries on our roads. I am grateful to our colleagues for recognizing the importance of this issue.” 

The legislation makes texting and driving a primary offense, implements a “single swipe” policy, and prohibits individuals from holding and looking at an electronic wireless communications device, with certain exceptions.

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, from 2013 through 2019, more than 91,000 distracted driving crashes occurred throughout the state of Ohio. This resulted in more than 47,000 injuries and 305 deaths. 

Currently, 44 states have passed various distracted driving laws. Abrams noted that within two years of passing and enforcing distracted driving legislation, statistics reflect a consistent reduction in traffic deaths throughout these 44 states.

“Today we took a massive step toward eliminating distracted driving in Ohio,” Lampton added. “I look forward to continuing to work with members of the Senate and my joint sponsor to pass this vital legislation and save as many lives as possible.”

House Bill 283 now moves to the Senate for further consideration.