New Study Finds Ohio Below National Average for Distracted Driving

Data shows 2023 law continues to improve road safety.

Shutterstock photo.

(Columbus, Oh.) - A new study released today finds that Ohio drivers are less distracted behind the wheel when compared to the nationwide average.

The statewide analysis from Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT) shows that Ohio drivers tapped on their phones 7.2 percent less than the average U.S. driver. From January through December 2025, U.S. drivers averaged 23.6 phone taps per 100 miles, while Ohio drivers averaged 21.9.

“A moment of inattention on the road can be all it takes to cause a devastating crash,” said Governor DeWine. “Although drivers in Ohio are keeping their eyes on the road more often than the nationwide average, I encourage more drivers to put their phones down as they travel. Nothing on your phone is worth risking your life for.”

In 2023, Governor DeWine signed a bill prohibiting all drivers, in most circumstances, from using or holding a cell phone or electronic device while driving on Ohio roads.

While it remains legal for drivers in Ohio to have handheld phone calls while driving, CMT’s study found that handheld phone call rates in Ohio were five percent lower than the national average. From January through December 2025, U.S. drivers spent an average of 0.82 percent of their time on handheld calls, while drivers in Ohio spent 0.78 percent of their time on handheld calls.

Of Ohio's 88 counties, 10 were above the national average in both categories: Adams, Butler, Cuyahoga, Gallia, Hamilton, Highland, Lawrence, Montgomery, Scioto, and Stark.

“Every time a driver chooses to put their phone down, they are making our roads safer for everyone,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “While our troopers continue to see the positive impact of this law through fewer crashes, our goal remains zero.”

Preliminary 2025 data shows traffic deaths fell three percent compared to 2024, marking a fourth straight year of decline. The decrease in distracted driving is believed to be a significant contributing factor to this continued decline.

CMT analyzed more than 189 million trips in 2025 using data from safe driving programs across Ohio.