Breaking News: It’s Illegal to Hold Your Cell Phone While Driving in Ohio! – As of April 4, 2023, it is illegal to use or hold a cell phone or electronic device in your hand, lap, or other parts of the body while driving on Ohio roads. If an officer sees a violation, they can pull you over! Learn more about this new law and what they’re cracking down on right here on Newsymom!
This is Public Health is brought to you in partnership with the Tuscarawas County Health Department.
Hey there, Tuscarawas County drivers! We need to have a serious talk about the dangers of distracted driving. We know it’s easy to get caught up in our busy lives and try to do it all while behind the wheel, but it’s time to put safety first and keep our roads in Tuscarawas County safe for everyone.
Distracted driving is a major problem that affects not only big cities but also small communities like ours. Just one moment of distraction can lead to devastating consequences. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, we’ve had 62,710 distracted driving crashes in Ohio since 2018. Tuscarawas County is not immune to these statistics, and it’s time to take action. As of April 4, 2023, a new law is in effect that anyone handling a cell phone or other device will be subject to consequences!
Smartphones Make Us Not-So-Smart Sometimes
One of the biggest culprits of distracted driving is our beloved smartphones. We’ve all been there, feeling that irresistible urge to check our text messages, scroll through social media, or answer a call while driving. But that quick glance at our phones can have severe consequences. It takes just a few seconds of looking away from the road to cause a serious accident. That’s why it’s crucial to resist the temptation and keep our phones out of reach or on silent while driving.
Technology Isn’t the Only Distraction on the Road…
However, smartphones aren’t the only distractions on the road. Eating on the go, reaching for something in the backseat, adjusting the radio, or even daydreaming can all take our attention away from the road and put ourselves and others at risk. We might think these actions are harmless, but they can have deadly consequences.
Passengers can also be a source of distraction. Engaging in conversations, especially if they’re emotional or heated, can take our focus away from driving. It’s essential to set some ground rules with our passengers and ensure that everyone in the car understands the importance of keeping the driver focused on the road.
Do Your Part: Spread Awareness in the Community
As a tight-knit community, we need to look out for each other and promote safe driving practices. We can start by leading by example. Let’s commit to driving without distractions, keeping our eyes on the road, our hands on the wheel, and our minds focused on driving safely. We can also spread the word and educate others about the dangers of distracted driving. Campaigns such as “Click It or Ticket” and “Stay Alive! Don’t TXT & Drive” are some of those ways the Tuscarawas County Health Department helps to spread awareness! One way you can get involved in the cause is by joining the Safe Communities Coalition!
Moreover, we need the support of policymakers and law enforcement agencies. Stronger laws, increased enforcement, and education campaigns can all play a significant role in reducing distracted driving. It’s important to advocate for stricter regulations and penalties for distracted driving offenses to create a safer environment on our roads.
To sum it all up, distracted driving is a serious issue that affects our community in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and beyond. It’s time to take action and make a commitment to drive without distractions. Let’s put our phones down, avoid multitasking, and keep our focus on the road at all times. Together, we can make a difference and save lives on our roads. So, let’s drive responsibly, look out for each other, and keep our community safe.
