Gov. Mike DeWine and leaders from the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio Traffic Safety Office are encouraged by new data that shows the state’s strengthened distracted driving law is making a positive impact.

“Ohio’s new law went into effect a little over a month ago, and it’s already making a difference,” DeWine said. “I’m glad to see that Ohio drivers are making safety a priority and putting their phones down while they drive.”

The report from Cambridge Mobile Telematics, the world’s largest telematics service provider, shows Ohio drivers are now spending less time handling their phones while driving since the law went into effect April 4.

The law makes it illegal, in most cases, for drivers to use or hold a cellphone or electronic device. The violation is now considered a primary offense, meaning any officer can pull over a driver immediately if they witness a violation.

CMT’s data analysis shows a 9.1 percent reduction in distracted driving in Ohio since April 4 has helped prevent 540 crashes, one fatality and $13 million in economic damages. In March, Ohio drivers spent an average of 1 minute and 39 seconds interacting with their phones for every hour of driving. From April 4 through May 3, Ohio drivers used their phones while driving 1 minute and 30 seconds, a nine-second drop.

“We are pleased that Ohio drivers are taking this new law seriously and beginning to change their behavior, but there is still more work to do,” Emily Davidson, executive director of the Ohio Traffic Safety Office, a division of The Ohio Department of Public Safety, said.

“There is no acceptable level of distracted driving. This behavior is dangerous and puts everyone on the road at risk. The goal is for all drivers to put their phones down for the entire time they are behind the wheel.”

“States that pass hands-free laws typically see a decrease in hand-held phone use and crashes. This data shows we’re on the right track to making our streets and highways safer in Ohio,” Michelle May, manager of ODOT’s Highway Safety Program, said. “I believe more Ohioans will choose to put their phones downs as they learn about the new law and the dangers of interacting with their screens while driving.”

A public awareness campaign is underway to teach drivers about the new law. The “Phones Down. It’s The Law” campaign will be active during the law’s six-month grace period during which the Ohio State Highway Patrol and local law enforcement will be issuing warnings as part of the effort to educate drivers.

As of May 10, more than 2,100 campaign materials have been distributed to traffic safety partners across Ohio.

“We applaud the state of Ohio for their proactive approach to fight distracted driving and save lives on our roads,” Ryan McMahon, SVP of Strategy for Cambridge Mobile Telematics, said. “We’re encouraged by the 9.1 percent reduction in distraction we’ve seen after one month of the law being implemented in Ohio and are proud to supply road safety planners with the resources and insights needed to evaluate its impact.”

The Ohio Traffic Safety Office focuses on a mission to save lives and reduce injuries on Ohio’s roads, in partnership with local, state and federal entities. Last year, OTSO awarded more than $22 million in federal funds to 140 Ohio agencies for statewide programming to improve traffic safety and reduce traffic-related fatalities.