COLUMBUS, Ohio - New data reveals that drivers in the Mahoning Valley use their phones more frequently than the average Ohio motorist. A study by Cambridge Mobile Telematics analyzed millions of trips taken in 2025 to track distracted driving habits across the state.

The study measured two main behaviors, including phone tapping. This category counts every time a driver touches, swipes, or types on a screen while the vehicle is moving. While the national average is 23.56 taps per 100 miles and the Ohio average is 21.86, local numbers were higher across the board. Trumbull County recorded 22.28 taps, Columbiana County had 22.52, and Mahoning County reached 22.90 taps per 100 miles.

Local drivers also surpassed state averages for handheld phone calls. The typical Ohio driver spends 0.78% of their time behind the wheel on a handheld call, which is lower than the national average of 0.82%. However, Mahoning County drivers spent 0.86% of their time on handheld calls, which is more than drivers in 80 other Ohio counties. Trumbull County followed at 0.84%, while Columbiana County recorded 0.76%.

Official state crash statistics from 2025 highlight the impact of these behaviors. While traffic deaths in Ohio fell by 3% statewide, the Mahoning Valley did not see the same improvement. According to preliminary data from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Mahoning County recorded 17 fatal crashes in 2025, matching its total from the previous year. Trumbull County saw fatal crashes increase to 20 deaths, up from 17 in 2024. Columbiana County maintained the same level of safety with nine deaths in both years.

State officials say these habits contribute to road risks. Ohio law prohibits drivers from holding or using an electronic device in most circumstances. Colonel Charles A. Jones, the Patrol superintendent, said that every time a driver chooses to put their phone down, they make the roads safer for everyone.

Drivers caught using a handheld device face fines up to $150 and points on their license for a first offense. These fines increase for repeat offenses or for violations that happen in work zones.