Senate Committee Begins Hearing Distracted Driving Bill

COLUMBUS – An Ohio House committee today began hearings on legislation, sponsored by State Representatives Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison) and Brian Lampton (R-Beavercreek) which expands current language regarding texting and driving.

House Bill 283 would make it a primary offense for Ohioans to hold or physically support an electronic wireless communication device (EWCD) with any part of one’s body, with certain exceptions. Under the bill, a single touch or single swipe policy would allow for drivers to utilize an EWCD with minimal distractions that would only require a single touch or single swipe.

“We have an opportunity with this bill to make our roads safer and save lives,” Abrams said. “I look forward to working with my joint sponsor and members of the Senate to achieve these important goals.”

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, from 2013 through 2019, more than 91,000 distracted driving crashes occurred throughout the state of Ohio. This resulted in more than 47,000 injuries and 305 deaths. 

Currently, 44 states have passed various distracted driving laws. Abrams noted that within two years of passing and enforcing distracted driving legislation, statistics reflect a consistent reduction in traffic deaths throughout these 44 states.

H.B. 283 now awaits its second hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee.