COLUMBUS, Ohio — As National Teen Driver Safety Week approaches, running from October 19–25, the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is urging parents and guardians to take an active role in teaching their teens safe driving habits — a step officials say could save lives.
Families are encouraged to lead by example, model safe driving behavior, and spend time practicing behind the wheel with their teens to build confidence and reinforce the lessons taught by troopers.
“Just like mastering a sport or a musical instrument, safe driving takes practice,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “I encourage parents and guardians to actively coach their teens on safe driving skills and have open and consistent conversations with their kids about the importance of being a responsible driver.”
According to the Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO), teens become safer drivers when parents dedicate time to practice, give constructive feedback, and introduce varied driving environments.
The statistics underline the importance of the message: In 2024, more than 37,000 teen drivers were involved in crashes in Ohio. Teen drivers were at fault in 64 fatal crashes and over 6,700 injury crashes. Of the 44 teen drivers killed, 81% were not wearing a seat belt. Many of these incidents involved preventable behaviors such as speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, or not wearing a seat belt.
The Patrol is encouraging all young drivers to buckle up, stay focused, follow posted speed limits, and never drive impaired. Ohio law also limits new drivers under 18 from having more than one non-family passenger during the first year of their probationary license unless a parent or guardian is present — a measure designed to reduce distractions.
“The Patrol is committed to giving young drivers the tools they need to make safe choices,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, OSHP superintendent. “Through education, we are working to build a strong foundation of safety that will benefit Ohio’s newest drivers for years to come.”
To further promote education, OSHP continues its Drive to Live program, which brings troopers into schools to discuss real-world driving experiences and safety lessons. Schools interested in hosting a session can contact their local Patrol post.
The Ohio Traffic Safety Office has also launched new online resources at TeachYourTeentoDrive.ohio.gov, designed to help parents coach their teens through Ohio’s Graduated Driver Licensing process. In addition, the free “RoadReady Ohio” mobile app helps parents track the required 50 hours of practice driving before teens can obtain their license.
