Expanded Teen Driving Restrictions Take Effect July 1

In an effort to curb crashes involving inexperienced teenage drivers, Ohio lawmakers passed a series of driving restrictions last April that go into effect on Wednesday.  The restrictions, which apply to probationary license holders under the age of eighteen, expand upon Ohio’s teen driving laws enacted in 2007.

What are the new restrictions?

Under the new laws, probationary license holders under the age of eighteen are prohibited from all of the following:

• Driving without a parent or guardian in the vehicle between the hours of 12 a.m. and 6 a.m.
• Driving with more than one non-family member in the vehicle
• Using any form of mobile communication while driving
• Driving while any passenger is not wearing a safety belt

Probationary license holders with documentation of a work, school, or church related need for travel may be excepted from the 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. driving prohibition

Why are teen driving restrictions necessary?

While teen drivers account for 1/20 license holders, they are responsible for more than 1/8 fatal motor vehicle accidents.  If this were not alarming enough, teenage motorists are involved in more the 3/4 of all night time traffic accidents.  Lack of experience, distracted driving, and driving under the influence are all factors that tend to increase the likelihood of motor vehicle accidents among teens.

Prevent unnecessary Ohio car accidents—talk to your teens about safe driving.

With the new law going into effect, now is the perfect time to talk to the teens in your life about staying safe on the road.  As Ohio motor vehicle accident lawyers, the attorneys of Lowe Scott Fisher Co., LPA see the perils and injuries that can occur because of negligent driving.  Now is the time to take preventative action to protect your family from enduring the tragedy of an unnecessary auto accident.