FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 3, 2023
CONTACT: Allison Kennedy / akennedy@saferoads.org / 360-281-7033 (C)
Statement of Tara Gill, Sr. Director Advocacy and State Legislation, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety (Advocates), on Ohio Governor Mike DeWine (R) Signing Distracted Driving Upgrade Into Law
Today, Governor Mike DeWine (R-OH) signed into law Senate Bill (SB) 288 which includes language to strengthen the state’s distracted driving law by elevating it to primary enforcement and restricting manual use of communication devices while driving. This change will help to deter distracted driving caused by device use and simplify enforcement of the state law.
Advocates lauds Gov. DeWine for his leadership to improve the state’s distracted driving law, and recently bestowed our Highway Safety Hero award on the governor for his efforts. We congratulate the lead bill sponsors of House Bill (HB) 283, Reps. Cindy Abrams (R) and Brian Lampton (R), for shepherding the legislation and the Ohio State Legislature for including the measure in the enacted version. We also thank our insurer, consumer, public health and safety Board members and the robust group of local and national stakeholders that worked diligently to advance the legislation. While not all of the safety improvements that Advocates supported were included in the final language, the new law will curb driver distraction and save lives.
As the Ohio Legislature begins its 2023 – 2024 session, we urge state lawmakers to continue to prioritize improving road safety. Advocates 2023 Roadmap to Safety provides a comprehensive blueprint for local, state and federal actions needed to ensure all road users can safely get to their destination.
Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety is an alliance of consumer, medical, public health, law enforcement, and safety groups and insurance companies and agents working together to improve road safety in the U.S. Advocates’ mission is the adoption of federal and state laws, policies and programs that prevent motor vehicle crashes, save lives, reduce injuries, and contain costs.
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