Year-to-Date Confirmed Fatalities, Current vs 2025 Fatalities
 FATAL CRASHES 2026 MAP can be found here.
OSTATS CRASH DASHBOARD can be found here.
 A new study finds that Ohio drivers are less distracted behind the wheel when compared to the nationwide average.
The statewide analysis from Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT) shows that Ohio drivers tapped on their phones 7.2% less than the average U.S. driver. From January through December 2025, U.S. drivers averaged 23.6 phone taps per 100 miles, while Ohio drivers averaged 21.9.
“A moment of inattention on the road can be all it takes to cause a devastating crash,” said Governor DeWine. “Although drivers in Ohio are keeping their eyes on the road more often than the nationwide average, I encourage more drivers to put their phones down as they travel. Nothing on your phone is worth risking your life for.”
In 2023, Governor DeWine signed a bill prohibiting all drivers, in most circumstances, from using or holding a cell phone or electronic device while driving on Ohio roads.
While it remains legal for drivers in Ohio to have handheld phone calls while driving, CMT’s study found that handheld phone call rates in Ohio were 5% lower than the national average. From January through December 2025, U.S. drivers spent an average of 0.82% of their time on handheld calls, while drivers in Ohio spent 0.78% of their time on handheld calls.
“Every time a driver chooses to put their phone down, they are making our roads safer for everyone,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “While our troopers continue to see the positive impact of this law through fewer crashes, our goal remains zero.”
Preliminary 2025 data shows traffic deaths fell 3% compared to 2024, marking a fourth straight year of decline. The decrease in distracted driving is believed to be a significant contributing factor to this continued decline.
County by County Analysis
CMT’s study also examined driving phone tapping and handheld call rates in each of Ohio’s 88 counties.
Counties with the least amount of driving time on handheld phone calls:
Counties that spent the most time on handheld calls:
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Counties where drivers tapped on their phones the least:
Counties where drivers tapped their phones the most:
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Ten Ohio counties were above the national average in both categories
- Adams
- Butler
- Cuyahoga
- Gallia
- Hamilton
- Highland
- Lawrence
- Montgomery
- Scioto
- Stark
“Ohio’s progress is worth celebrating. However, we still see too many drivers focused on their phones instead of the road. This puts travelers and our roadside workers at risk. So please follow the law and put your phone down to ensure everyone gets to their destination or home safely,” said Ohio Department of Transportation Director Pamela Boratyn.
 Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin announced the award of $10 million in Ohio School Bus Safety Grants to 371 schools, districts, and county boards of developmental disabilities statewide.
The grants will help ensure safer travel for Ohio students through safety upgrades to existing buses and the addition of advanced safety features on new buses.
“Whether students are in the classroom or on the school bus, we owe it to parents and families to do everything we can to keep them safe,” said Governor DeWine. “We’re raising the bar for student safety on Ohio’s buses, and these grant awards demonstrate our dedication to making school transportation safer.”
The grant program was developed following recommendations from the Ohio School Bus Safety Working Group, which Governor DeWine convened to review all aspects of student transportation.
The group’s January 2024 recommendations report confirmed that while school buses remain the safest mode of transportation for students, opportunities exist to make them even safer. Among its 17 recommendations were strategies for improving bus safety features, driver training, and emergency response.
“Student safety is our top priority, and Ohio is investing in critical safety improvements to equip school buses with proven technology that keeps children safe,” said Director Dackin.
All schools and districts that applied for funding for eligible safety features received an award.
The Ohio School Bus Safety Grant Program allows schools and districts flexibility to tailor safety enhancements to their unique needs. Funding may be used for the repair, replacement, or addition of authorized safety features on school buses in active service or for safety enhancements on new school bus purchases.
For more details on the program, visit the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s Ohio School Bus Safety Grant Program webpage.
Reminder: Submit Traffic Safety Trend Reports for the next round of "Fast Facts" Bulletins
In partnership with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, OTSO publishes 88 county-specific driver training bulletins every 6 months. Each Highway Patrol post is asked to submit at least one crash report with photos for each county of coverage. These reports should reflect an example of a problem area or local trend from the last 6 months to help educate young drivers about crash risks in the areas they drive every day.
To report crash stories/incidents for the next round of bulletins, FILL OUT THIS FORM and email it with all photos to trafficsafety@dps.ohio.gov before March 1st.
This educational tool was designed to be used in driving schools so instructors can adapt behind-the-wheel training to their local area. But they are also available publicly to help educate all drivers on local-level driving trends, dangerous roads and intersections, and seat belt usage.
CLICK HERE to download the current "Fast Facts" bulletin for your County!
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 Any person operating a motorcycle on public roadways in Ohio must hold a valid motorcycle permit, motorcycle-only license, or endorsement. The Motorcycle Ohio program, offered by the Ohio Department of Public Safety, makes it easy for riders to get their endorsement by issuing a 60-day BMV skill test waiver upon successful completion of any course.
Enrollment for Motorcycle Ohio courses is just $75, and there are three different levels of safety courses for riders based on their skill levels and objectives.
Students must have a valid motorcycle temporary permit (TIPIC) before the first riding session, which can be obtained from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) by passing the motorcycle knowledge test. Those over 18 years old and already have an active Ohio Class D driver’s license or CDL can take the knowledge test online through the BMV’s online services.
NEW MATERIALS to Promote Motorcycle Rider Training in 2026
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COMING SOON! Item # OTS 0068 Motorcycle Ohio Get Trained Poster
This new 11"x18" poster features a testimonial from Doug Wright, a seasoned Ohio rider who has taken multiple Motorcycle Ohio training courses over the years to keep his riding skills sharp.
The poster also features a map of the current 51 training sites in 36 Counties across Ohio and a QR code which directs to the Motorcycle Ohio website.
Order posters to spread the word in your community from the Motorcycle Ohio online materials order form or on OTSO's order form.
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 Become a Shifting Gears Presenter!
Presenters for "Shifting Gears" first must be trained by a representative from SADD. Trainings take about 2.5 hours and are conducted in-person. After attending a training, presenters will get access to the curriculum materials and immediately be able to bring Shifting Gears to high school students.
- February 4, 2026 - Columbus - 10am (backup date Feb. 18)
- February 13 - Akron - 10am
- March 18 - Athens - 10am
- April 1 - Cincinnati - 10am
- April 20 - Columbus - AM & PM sessions available
Training is FREE, but advance registration is required. Visit OTSO's Shifting Gears webpage to find the registration link.
   
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