Colonel Paul McClellan
Superintendent
Ohio State Highway Patrol

This spring, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Ohio Department of Public Safety, the Safe America Foundation, and Honda of America Manufacturing Inc. are teaming together again with Ohio companies and organizations to find the safest young drivers in Ohio. In the process, we hope to teach Ohio teens the life lessons they’ll need to keep themselves and their friends safe on Ohio roadways.

Teens ages 16 to 18 with no moving violations are eligible to compete to become "Ohio’s Safest Young Driver." Twelve semi-finalists will be chosen from a pool of applicants who successfully complete a 15-multiple choice questionnaire and an essay on safe driving habits. The semi-finalists will attend the Mid-Ohio Driving School in October. Honda will award the winner their choice of a 2003 Honda Civic or Honda Element as well as other prizes.

Across the state, teenage drivers are over-represented in traffic crashes: drivers ages 15 through 20 make up only 6.7 percent of the driving population, yet account for 14 percent of the drivers killed in automobile crashes. I’m hopeful that programs such as this will raise awareness and lower the number of crashes.

The inexperience of new drivers results in many of them being unaware of driving risks, which include: speeding, passing, drinking and driving, and not wearing a safety belt. Excessive speed is the number one cause of fatal crashes involving teen drivers. Statistics show that having more passengers in the car increases the chance that a fatal crash will occur when teen drivers are involved.

Driving a car is a highly complex task. It takes time and experience to acquire the skills and judgement needed to become a proficient driver. Young drivers are still developing these skills.

Applications for "Ohio’s Safest Young Driver" can be obtained at your local Patrol Posts, participating Honda dealerships, schools, driving schools, and on the Web at www.OSYD.com or www.win-a-Honda.com.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s mission is to provide statewide traffic services and to save lives. Successful public education, enforcement, and public participation in our safety efforts are key components in achieving this mission. Educating young drivers about this program and safe driving will also assist in reaching our mission. We look forward to the success of this program and the lessons it will teach our teens.

It’s about safety!