Distracted driving crashes down in Ohio, slightly up in Knox County

MOUNT VERNON — Two years after Ohio strengthened laws relating to drivers using cell phones and electronic communication devices, distracted driving crashes, injuries, and fatalities are down statewide.

Knox County numbers have fluctuated.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed SB 288 in January 2023. The bill made using handheld electronic devices while driving a primary offense.

In recognition of April being National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the Ohio State Highway Patrol released data that indicates the law is effective.

According to an OSHP press release, Ohio’s average number of crashes dropped by 8%. Injuries are down 3%, and traffic fatalities declined by 4% since the law took effect in April 2023.

Data from Cambridge Mobile Telematics shows about a 10% drop in cell phone use among Ohio drivers who share their device data as part of an employer-based safety program or in exchange for insurance discounts.

CMT estimates the law has saved Ohio at least $337 million in economic damages.

“We’re certainly seeing less distracted driving than before the law went into effect, but we still have a long way to go,” Gov. Mike DeWine said in the release.

“I appreciate all the drivers who have chosen to stay focused on the road, and I encourage more drivers to do the same. Distracted driving crashes are completely avoidable.”

Distracted driving in Knox County

In 2022, Knox County recorded 66 distracted driving crashes. That number dropped to 36 in 2023 but rose to 58 in 2024.

Through April 7, 2025, Knox County has seen five distracted driving crashes. Four caused property damage, and one caused a minor suspected injury.

Two were on U.S. 36, and State Routes 661 and 586 each had one. The minor injury involved the crash on 661.

Distracted driving violations totaled 67 in 2022. That number dropped to 58 in 2023 and skyrocketed to 191 in 2024.

Law enforcement has issued 33 distracted driving violations through April 7.

In 2021, the OSHP established a safety corridor on a 12-mile stretch of US 36/Ohio 3 between Centerburg and Mount Vernon.

At the time, Mount Gilead OSHP post commander Lt. Gurjit S. Grewal said the goal was to protect motorists by enforcing distracted driving violations and raising awareness of the issue.

2024 Knox County statistics

Of the 58 distracted driving crashes in 2024, two involved serious injury, and 13 involved minor injury. Thirty-eight were property damage only.

Fifteen occurred on a Monday; 14 occurred on Wednesday.

The top-ranking time was 2-2:59 pm (9) followed by 5-5:59 pm (6).