by New Rules for Drivers in Ohio
In 2024, 97 fatal accidents involving teenagers were recorded in Ohio, with young drivers themselves found at fault in 67 cases. It is particularly alarming that 58% of such accidents involved drivers aged 18-19. In response, the state is changing the legislation: now all drivers under the age of 21 are required to complete a full driver’s education course, even if they have reached the age of 18.
Previously, individuals older than 18 could obtain a license simply by passing an exam. If they failed, they only needed to complete a 4-hour course and a few lessons with an instructor. In contrast, underage drivers had to meet stricter requirements: 24 hours of theoretical classes, 8 hours of practice with an instructor, 50 hours of supervised driving with parents (10 of which at night), and holding a temporary license for at least 6 months.
Reaction from the Authorities
Governor Mike DeWine stated:
“We know that young people who complete driver’s education become safer—both for themselves and for others on the road. This applies not only to teenagers but also to adults.”
However, the new law does not introduce changes to the training program itself—it only expands the mandatory requirement to complete it.
Interestingly, among those at fault in fatal teenage accidents, only 34% had no driver’s education. The rest had either completed training or did not have a license at all. This raises questions about the quality of existing courses and the need to update them to prevent fatal mistakes on the roads. At the same time, experience and discipline behind the wheel remain key safety factors, which cannot always be ensured by formal requirements alone.
