1. Distracted Driving Task Force August 14, 2018
December 14, 2018
Distracted Driving Task Force August 14, 2018

2. Agenda Introductions/Meeting Purpose/ Recap
Update on Research Proposals
Discussion:
HB 95
Draft Task Force Report
2019 Strategy
Next Steps

3. Meeting Purpose
The task force will discuss the draft recommendations and next steps for engaging Governor-elect Mike DeWine and his administration.
The intent is to solicit high-level feedback that can be used to strengthen the recommendations report.
Finalize strategy for 2019

4. Recap Meeting #3 Officer Connor shared an update on DD enforcement.
Jennifer Smith of StopDistractions.org shared information on Georgia’s Legislative DD Task Force – recommendations and outcomes.
Break Out Groups discussed final recommendations for report.

5. Update on Research Proposals
The Ohio State University has submitted three research proposals that have been reviewed by task force members. I will compile and send those comments back to OSU. I’m also working on the agreement for initiating this work, which ODOT will pay for.
Update on Research Proposals
Michelle May, ODOT Highway Safety Program

6. Law Enforcement Survey
Conduct a survey of local and state law enforcement officers to document the challenges of enforcing Ohio’s distracted driving laws.
Distracted driving laws won’t reduce crashes unless they are enforced.
ODOT is contracting with OSU to conduct the survey in January The Ohio State Highway Patrol, Buckeye Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police will solicit responses from their members.
But I wanted to recap what we’re working on. The first proposal is …

7. DD Messaging
Conduct a literature review of social and cognitive science, and public health research to identify best practices for distracted driving communication.
OSU will then develop and test distracted driving messages to identify which messages have the largest impact on driver perceptions, attitudes and behavior.

8. Environment, Legislation & Driver Education
Research what role the built environment, legislation and Driver Education play in the frequency and severity of DD crashes.
The Risk Institute at OSU conducted research in 2018 that showed distracted driving crashes in Ohio tend to be higher in certain road environments. This research will expand on previous efforts by:
Comparing Ohio data to other states, and
Determining what role legislation and driver education curriculum has on the frequency and severity of crashes in other states.

9. House Bill 95 Review Michelle May, ODOT Highway Safety Program
It’s also important that we clarify what we like or don’t like about Ohio’s current DD legislation.
Why and how does it fall short of what we need?
What specifically do we recommend?
House Bill 95 Review
Michelle May, ODOT Highway Safety Program

10. HB 95 - 2018 “Enhances” existing moving violation penalties.
For example, a driver operating a vehicle outside marked lanes who is also engaging in a distracted behavior, will face an enhanced fine of up to $100 in addition to a fine for the lane violation.
Other violations such as failing to stop for a red light or stop sign, speeding, etc. could also result in higher fines.
Law enforcement no longer required to prove a driver was texting at the time of an accident or violation. Instead, they need to prove that a moving violation has occurred, and the driver was “distracted” at the time.
So let’s recap the two state laws.
The Ohio Legislature recently passed HB 95. This law …

11. HB
The law makes it illegal for drivers under the age of 18 to use any hand-held electronic device while driving. Primary offense.
Penalties and exceptions include:
• First violation: $150 fine, driver’s license suspended for 60 days
• Second violation: $300 fine, driver’s license suspended for one year.
• Exceptions: Pre-programmed GPS or emergency calls to police, ambulance, fire department, etc.
Secondary offense for adults. $150 fine.
Ohio’s second law is HB 99 passed in 2012.

12. Discussion What’s wrong with these existing laws?
What changes do you recommend?
Review draft report and discuss any changes.

13. Task Force Report - Discussion
Lorrie Laing, Cambridge Systematics

14. Discussion How can we improve the report? What’s missing?
Report Structure
Key Findings
Recommendation Language
What’s missing?
What should be changed?
What gives you pause?
I will pass out copies of the DRAFT report. Lorrie will walk members through the sections and solicit feedback. What is missing? What should be changed? What gives you pause?

15. Where to put Supporting Data Body of Report or Appendix?
Report Structure
How can we improve the report structure?
Background
Key Findings
Introduction
Types of Distraction
Scope of Problem
Ohio Statistics
Ohio Law
Effectiveness of Hands-Free Laws
Recommendations
Where to put Supporting Data
Body of Report or Appendix?
I will pass out copies of the DRAFT report. Lorrie will walk members through the sections and solicit feedback. What is missing? What should be changed? What gives you pause?

16. Key Findings What’s missing? What should be changed?
What gives you pause?
I will pass out copies of the DRAFT report. Lorrie will walk members through the sections and solicit feedback. What is missing? What should be changed? What gives you pause?

17. Recommendation Language
What’s missing?
What should be changed?
What gives you pause?
I will pass out copies of the DRAFT report. Lorrie will walk members through the sections and solicit feedback. What is missing? What should be changed? What gives you pause?

18. Other Sections What’s missing? What should be changed?
What gives you pause?
I will pass out copies of the DRAFT report. Lorrie will walk members through the sections and solicit feedback. What is missing? What should be changed? What gives you pause?

19. 2019 Strategy
Michelle May, ODOT Highway Safety Program

20. Overview
Following the Governor’s introduction of the biennium budget, the Task Force will send a letter in March to the Governor asking him to declare distracted driving a public health crisis.
Ask the Governor to hold a roundtable meeting with Ohio leaders and key stakeholders on how to prevent distracted driving crashes.
Suggest the Governor hold a press event following the meeting to raise public awareness.
Use roundtable to launch support for a broader coalition focused on implementing task force recommendations.

21. Discussion Do you concur with these recommendations?
What would you change?
What should be included in the letter that accompanies the report?
Do we need signatures? Logos?
How do we deliver these recommendations to the Governor? House and Senate Leadership?
When do we solicit others to join the cause? How?
Should we transition from Task Force to a coalition? Who leads it? Who has the resources?

22. Next Steps Recap Action Items and Timeframe
Other comments and concerns?