New Distracted Driving Law Implemented In Ohio, With 6-Month Warning Period
Ohio has taken distracted driving seriously and implemented a new law to protect drivers and pedestrians from avoidable road accidents. The new law revolves specifically around distracted driving and requires drivers to be more careful while driving on Ohio roads. The much-needed new law has come into effect after the death of Leah Fullenkamp’s husband, who was killed due to the carelessness of a distracted driver.
The driver in this case was shopping online via her cellphone, due to which she failed to see Fullenkamp’s truck which was right ahead of her. The accident’s impact was such that the front of the tractor broke off, and Fullenkamp was flung into the air. Though emergency air care was called in, Fullenkamp couldn’t make it and passed away almost immediately after the crash. The implementation of the distracted driving law was much needed, to avoid the occurrence of such tragic accidents in the future.
Changes Introduced Via the Distracted Driving Law
The new legislation makes distracted driving a primary offense – which means if you’re caught using your phone or any other electronic devices as you drive, you will be liable for a penalty under the provisions of the new law. As per the provisions of this law, any activity, whether it’s scrolling through social media, texting, playing games, or streaming videos while driving, falls under the purview of distracted driving.
Penalties Listed Out by the New Law
The law emphasizes the responsibility of drivers to watch out for pedestrians and fellow drivers. To ensure the law is strictly followed, it has also issued penalties. The first offense in two years would cost you two points on a driver’s license and a fine of $150. The escalating penalties model lists out a penalty of three points on the driver’s license and a fine of $250 for a second offense in two years. Any more distracted driving offenses would call for four points assessed to the driving license, a fine of up to $500, and a probable 90-day license suspension.
Exceptions and Permitted Actions
The law allows people above the age of 18 to make or receive calls strictly via hands-free devices. It also specifies the permitted devices, which include earpieces, speakerphones, electronic watches, or wireless headsets.
Regarding the exceptions, the law permits the usage of electronic devices by healthcare providers, first responders, commercial truck drivers using mobile data terminals, and utility workers in emergencies. Additionally, everyone is permitted to use their cellphones or other devices when their vehicle is halted at a traffic signal or parked on the road for repairs or during the road closure.
Opinion of Road Safety Advocates
According to the latest Nationwide Insurance research, 42% of drivers admitted to talking on their phones while driving, while 25% say they’ve texted using their smartphones. 10% of the drivers have admitted to video chatting, whereas another 5% state they’ve watched movies or videos. All of these activities result in distraction during driving, which only jeopardizes the safety of these drivers and the people and vehicles around them.
Considering these stats, advocates for road safety have offered their complete support to the new legislation, stating that it was the need of the hour to save numerous lives lost in road accidents due to one main culprit – distracted driving.
Summing Up
As a breather, law enforcement has decided to issue only warnings for the first six months, giving people the time to adjust to the new law. Tickets and penalties will be issued from October onwards. If you’re looking for any more information about this law or require any assistance for erroneous conviction under this offense in the future, consider reaching out to a Murfreesboro car accident lawyer for guidance and assistance.
