COLUMBUS — Free hands-on training is available this summer for teen drivers in Ohio to practice crash avoidance techniques and gain the experience necessary to become safer drivers. The Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO) is partnering with three Advanced Driver Training programs to increase access to these specially designed classes that address the leading causes of teen crashes. Newly licensed drivers or teens with a valid temporary permit are welcome to participate in one of these free sessions.
This announcement comes during National Youth Traffic Safety Month, which coincides with the beginning of the “100 deadliest days” – the time period between Memorial Day and Labor Day that historically accounts for more than a third of all fatal crashes.
- In 2023, there were 102 fatal youth-related crashes in Ohio during the “100 deadliest days” – about one fatality each day.
- Young drivers in Ohio under the age of 24 are involved in 31% of all crashes, but only make up about 13% of licensed drivers.
Advanced Driver Training programs allow students to practice skid recovery, anti-lock braking system (ABS) exercises and other skills with a licensed instructor on a closed course. OTSO recently produced a video and launched a new web page dedicated to Advanced Driver Training to better inform parents about these programs.
Ohio-based Advanced Driver Training providers DriveTeam and Professional Driving Systems will conduct six of the summer sessions. OTSO is partnering with the Ford Philanthropy’s award-winning Ford Driving Skills for Life for the other two sessions.
Click here to learn more about Advanced Driver Training in Ohio