Governor DeWine Announces Creation of New Driver Safety App for Practicing Drivers

(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.