In the spring we let you know that Ohio's distracted driving law took effect with a six month grace period before citations would be issued. (See below). Starting today (Oct. 5), law enforcement will be able to issue citations to drivers who are distracted driving. <https://www.10tv.com/article/news/politics/distracted-driving-bill-ohio/530-...> The law allows people to be stopped by law enforcement solely for holding or using a cellphone while driving. It specifically prohibits drivers from "using, holding, or physically supporting" a cellphone. Also, 47% of all auto deer strikes (44,249 of 93,955) reported to the OSHP from 2020 to 2022 occurred during the last three months of the year. Finally, in the last quarter of the year we will face hazardous road conditions due to inclement weather (aka snow, ice, freezing rain...etc). We encourage you to take this opportunity to promote safe and defensive driving practices. As a CORSA member you are able to take advantage of our loss control services, at no cost, that include defensive driver training and template driver policies/criteria. I hope the final quarter of the year is off to a good start for you. From: Frank Hatfield Sent: Wednesday, March 29, 2023 10:10 AM To: 'CORSA Broadcast Email' <corsa-broadcast@corsa.org> Subject: Distracted Driving On April 4th Ohio's revised distracted driving law takes effect. Namely, use of a "handheld electronic wireless device" (aka cell phone) while driving a motor vehicle is now a primary offense. This means a driver may be pulled over solely for use of a cell phone. Ohio's roads are more hazardous than ever due in large part to distracted driving. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, there have been nearly 62,000 distracted driving accidents (1,800 fatal) since 2018. https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/distracted-driving-law-in-ohio-goes-in... It is a good time to review and update your vehicle use policy to ensure compliance with the law, if necessary. There's a good chance your current policy is compliant as it likely contains catchall language such as: "employees who operate motor vehicles on the job shall comply with all applicable traffic laws." Nonetheless, it is wise to communicate to employees the change to Ohio's distracted driving law and issue/reissue to employees your vehicle use policy. You may also consider scheduling employees for in-person CORSA defensive driver training or online training at CORSA U. (See attached flyers). In-person and online training are at no cost to members. Please contact me with questions or if you need anything. Stay safe. Frank Hatfield CORSA Risk Manager fhatfield@ccao.org<mailto:fhatfield@ccao.org> 614-560-1474 614-220-0209 Fax www.corsa.org<http://www.corsa.org/> [cid:image001.png@01D9621F.24F64D90] " The leader in providing Ohio Counties with exceptional value, service, and protection of assets." CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message (including any attachments) is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy this message and all attachments.
