Ohio State Highway Patrol Combats Youthful Driver Crashes With Focused Educational Programs

WARREN COUNTY, OH --  The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is promoting safe driving among new motorists by sharing important information and resources to help youthful drivers and their parents understand the responsibilities of sitting behind the wheel.

“Driving is an important responsibility, especially for our young drivers,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “In Ohio, we’re working to expand access to driver training to help support good driving habits, but it’s also important that young drivers make the conscious decision to stay focused on the road to protect themselves and others.”

Driving is a skill that takes practice. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, teen drivers have a higher rate of fatal crashes, mainly due to their lack of skills and driving experience. Patrol statistics show the leading causes of youthful driver crashes are:

• Following too closely: Maintaining a safe following distance gives a driver more time to react to sudden stops.
• Failure to yield or running a red light/stop sign: These actions are dangerous and often result from a lack of attention.
• Unsafe speed: Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react and control their vehicle, especially in unexpected situations.
• Driving off the roadway and driving left of center: These crashes often result from a lack of focus or overcorrection.

In Ohio, youthful drivers, age 15 to 24, were involved in 154,363 traffic crashes from 2023 to 2024. An action on the part of the youthful driver contributed to 63% of these crashes, and 66% of all fatal crashes. Crashes where youthful drivers were at-fault resulted in 398 fatalities and 41,473 injuries during the same timeframe.

“We know that inexperience, combined with risky behaviors like speeding and distracted driving, contributes heavily to crashes involving youthful drivers,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “That is why the Patrol offers educational programs that reach out to young people and equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to make responsible choices and prevent future tragedies on our roads.”

The Patrol is actively working to engage young drivers through educational programs. The DRIVE to Live program is a collaborative effort to positively engage with young people and promote good decision-making behind the wheel. Schools and community groups are encouraged to schedule a presentation to help educate young drivers.

Parents and caregivers can also find helpful tips and a framework for discussing risky driving behaviors with their teens on the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Teach Your Teen to Drive website.

For additional information about Ohio driver training programs click here.

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