COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Gov. Mike DeWine on Monday announced the launch of a new driver safety app aimed at young people seeking their driver’s licenses.
The app’s debut coincides with a new Ohio law that will require drivers ages 18 to 20 to meet the same training standards as 16- and 17-year-olds pursuing their licenses. Previously, drivers 18 and older could opt out of full training requirements or take a shortened course. Under the updated law, which takes effect Sept. 30, anyone age 21 and under must complete a full driver’s education course and log 50 hours of supervised practice.
DeWine has cited state data showing that 58% of fatal crashes last year involved 18- and 19-year-old drivers.
Earlier this year, as part of Ohio’s two-year budget, DeWine approved changes to the state’s driver’s education requirements.
According to the governor’s office, the new driver training app is designed to support families of new drivers as they practice for their licenses.
10TV’s Dom Tiberi joined DeWine for Monday’s announcement. Tiberi lost his 21-year-old daughter, Maria, in a distracted driving crash on Sept. 17, 2013. Since then, Tiberi, his family, and colleagues at 10TV have worked to educate young drivers about the dangers of distracted driving through “Maria’s Message,” a program created in 2016. Tiberi has delivered the presentation more than 150 times at schools across Ohio.
In addition, Maria Tiberi Foundation Simulator Labs have been installed at Tolles Career and Technical Center, Eastland Career Center and Fort Hayes Career Center to help teach high school students about the responsibilities of driving.