Law enforcement still addressing distracted driving 2 years after new law
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — As summer arrives, construction season picks up and more people get on the road, making distracted driving awareness a main focus for police.
It's Distracted Driving Awareness Month and law agencies like the Ohio State Highway Patrol is working to prevent crashes and educate drivers.
Law enforcement execute traffic detail along I-75 Friday
Since 2023 and the passage of the Phones Down law, which made texting and driving a primary offense, OSP reported a drop in crashes and crash fatalities.
While lawmakers and enforcers celebrate this improvement, they say there's still work to be done.
On Friday, OSP collaborated with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office and Dayton Police Department for a joint traffic enforcement detail along US-35. The detail pulled drivers over for unsafe behavior, but the goal wasn't just to ticket them.
'Each traffic stop is also an ability to gain awareness and also to build education in that driver,' said Lt. Dallas Root, OSP Dayton Post commander. 'Our goal is to reduce fatal crashes and reduce crimes on our local roadways and highways.'
2 NEWS spoke with several drivers Friday that had strong opinions after several experiences with distracted drivers.
One driver said he's seen a lot of people still on their phones, despite the fairly new law.
'It only takes two seconds to get in a crash, so just be careful when you're driving,' said Eric Simmons, local driver. 'Stay off your phones and drive the speed limit.'
While some say they see people on their phones while waiting at traffic lights, its common to see people on their phones in other, more dangerous situations.
'Like on the highway, you can see a lot of people on their phones just cruising,' said Jackie Sarafino, local driver.
Even if you think you're getting away with it, some drivers say its very noticeable when someone isn't paying attention while driving.
'I can tell that they're on their phone and not paying attention,' said Vy Nguyen, local driver. 'It is upsetting because one second of distraction can cost somebody else's life.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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