(COLUMBUS, Ohio)— Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Ohio State Highway Patrol Superintendent Col. Charles Jones, and Ohio Department of Transportation Director Pamela Boratyn announced today that traffic fatalities have decreased in Ohio for the fourth consecutive year. 

According to preliminary data from the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), the number of traffic fatalities in 2025 dropped approximately 3% in Ohio as compared to 2024, a difference of 32 lives. This decrease continues the downward trend in traffic fatalities that began in 2022, representing 231 lives saved across four years.

"The fact that more people have made it home to their families the past four years is certainly worth celebrating, but make no mistake -- the number of people killed on Ohio's roads remains far too high," said Governor DeWine. "Everyone has a role in making our roads safer, and we all have more work to do."

According to OSHP statistics, 23% of fatal crashes in 2025 were the result of driving off the roadway. In addition, failure to yield the right of way, unsafe speed, driving left of center, following too closely, and running a stop sign were the next top reasons for fatal crashes statewide. Although distracted driving is underreported, it is also believed to be a significant contributing factor to crashes overall. 

Failure to wear a seatbelt also remains a major factor in traffic deaths. In crashes involving vehicles outfitted with seatbelts, nearly 62% of individuals killed from 2021 to 2025 chose not to wear a safety belt, equating to nearly 2,500 people. 

“Oftentimes, fatal crashes are a preventable tragedy, so some of these people would very likely still be here today had they buckled up,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “Wearing a seatbelt is just as important as slowing down, staying alert, and obeying the law.”

Throughout the DeWine Administration, Governor DeWine has prioritized traffic safety with a comprehensive approach that emphasizes changing the culture around distracted driving, enhancing physical road safety, and ensuring new drivers receive high-quality training. 

The Ohio Department of Transportation's (ODOT) Highway Safety Improvement Program is now the largest highway safety program in the nation per capita, funding construction projects that improve safety at top crash locations.

“Four straight years of declining traffic deaths is more than just a statistic; it represents hundreds of lives saved,” said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn. “From major intersection reconstructions to improved technology and signage, our strategic focus on high-crash locations is making a measurable difference. We are proud of this progress, which shows that our safety programs are working to make Ohio's roads safer for everyone who uses them.”

Governor DeWine has also been a strong advocate against distracted driving. In 2023, he signed Senate Bill 288, which now prohibits all drivers, in most circumstances, from using or holding a cell phone or electronic device while driving. In the two years since enforcement of Ohio's primary distracted driving law began on October 5, 2023, traffic fatalities have dropped 11%, a difference of 280 lives, when compared to the two years before enforcement began. 

According to the Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO), inexperience is the top reason why new drivers crash. Governor DeWine pushed for stronger driver training laws in Ohio, leading to a new requirement that all drivers aged 16 to 20 receive driver training before they can test for a driver's license. Governor DeWine also launched OTSO's Drive to Succeed scholarship program in 2022 to support teenage drivers whose families cannot otherwise afford the cost of a driving school. To date, more than 6,000 students have received scholarships to cover the fees for the training required to get a license.

“When teens learn safe driving skills early, those habits become second nature,” said Emily Davidson, director of OTSO. “These behaviors don’t just help them pass a driving test – they set the foundation for a lifetime of responsible driving. Programs like Drive to Succeed ensure that every young driver has the tools to make smart choices behind the wheel, which ultimately saves lives.”

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)— Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Andy Wilson today announced the launch of a free, state-supported mobile app that provides real-time driving feedback for practicing drivers.

The new RoadReady Ohio app was created by DPS's Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO) in partnership with app developer J.F. Griffin as part of the state’s work to provide families of young drivers with new tools and resources.

The app is designed to help drivers with learner's permits and their parents/guardians log the required 50 hours of supervised driving time needed before taking the final driver's license test. It also scores each driving session in key areas like braking, acceleration, turning, and speed, offering recommendations on how a driver can improve their skills during their next practice drive.

“By combining innovative technology with proven safety practices, this app turns a smartphone into a trusted partner for new drivers and their families,” said Governor DeWine. “I am proud of the work Ohio is doing to help our newest drivers become our safest drivers.”

The RoadReady Ohio app is available in other states, but Ohio is the first state to incorporate telematics features that analyze drivers' actions and provide feedback and driving tips. Once all 50 mandated practice hours are complete, the app can also sync with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles database to generate the required affidavit and driving log attesting that the practice took place.

“Inexperience is the number one factor in teen driver crashes and the best way to overcome it is with quality practice,” said DPS Director Andy Wilson. “This new tool is turning that practice time into life-saving experience. The goal is simple: to give every new driver the skills and confidence they need to stay safe, not just during their first year on the road, but for every mile they drive.”

According to a new study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, more driving practice during the learner’s permit phase can help reduce crash and near-crash incidents for teen drivers. The app is designed to be managed by the adult supervising the drive and includes safety features that discourage distracted driving.

The launch of the new RoadReady Ohio app coincides with the effective date of a new law passed by the Ohio General Assembly and signed by Governor DeWine that requires more drivers to obtain a learner's permit before getting a license. Beginning tomorrow, those ages 18, 19, and 20 will be held to the same training standards as 16- and 17-year-olds who are seeking a driver's license. Previously, those 18 and older could get a license without any driving experience.

This initiative is part of Ohio’s broader traffic safety strategy to reduce roadway deaths and injuries. Earlier this year, Governor DeWine introduced a new media campaign and website aimed at parents of teen drivers. Since it was launched in May, the TeachYourTeentoDrive.ohio.gov website has had over 69,000 unique visitors. The website also includes a link to a free online course to help parents successfully navigate the learning-to-drive process. So far, over 340 visitors have completed this parent orientation course.