COLUMBUS, Ohio — A new study found that Ohio drivers are less distracted behind the wheel than the nationwide average.
The statewide analysis from Cambridge Mobile Telematics shows that Ohio drivers tapped on their phones 7.2% 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.
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 5% lower than the national average. From January through December 2025, U.S. drivers spent an average of 0.82% of their time on handheld calls, while drivers in Ohio spent 0.78% of their time on handheld calls.
Preliminary 2025 data revealed traffic deaths fell 3% 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.
