A statewide ban on texting while driving goes into effect on Friday. The ban has much stricter enforcement on those younger than 18.

Those 18 and older will recieve a fine of $150 for reading, writing or sending text messages while driving. Those younger than 18 will be fined the same amount of $150 for using any hand-held electronic device (talking on the phone, changing songs on an iPod, looking up directions on GPS). In addition to the stricter enforcement, those 17 and younger will also have their license suspended for 60 days.

Ohio is the 37th state to issue a texting ban with (according to State Highway Patrol) 31,000 crashes and 74 deaths due to distracted drivers in the past three years.