LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — While distracted driving crashes are trending down slightly in Ohio, law enforcement says it remains a dangerous problem on the state's roadways.
Ohio recorded more than 8,300 distracted driving crashes in 2025, down about 3% from the year before. Over the past five years, distracted driving crashes have claimed 170 lives across the state. In Allen County, more than 660 distracted driving crashes have been reported during that same period.
Officials say distracted driving goes beyond texting or talking on a phone. It includes any activity that takes your attention away from driving, such as eating, searching through a bag or simply letting your mind wander.
"When you are driving, you just need to be focused on the road. You need to have your head right, your head just completely focused on that. I know it's easy to think about other things while you are traveling down the road. But when you are driving, look at the stop signs, look at the traffic signals, look at the other drivers. Be a defensive driver," said Lt. Nick Boes of the Lima Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Boes said troopers continue to watch for distracted drivers and remind motorists that staying focused behind the wheel is the best way to prevent crashes.
