Lorenz Introduces Legislation to Stiffen Punishments for Bad Drivers

COLUMBUS— State Representative Brian Lorenz (R-Powell) has introduced legislation to make Ohio roadways safer for drivers by increasing penalties for motorist involved in multiple crashes. 

The legislation will create the offense of vehicular assault, which can be charged for causing serious physical harm to another person as the result of a misdemeanor traffic offense. 

This new offense will be charged as a first-degree misdemeanor but can be increased to a fourth-degree felony if a driver has been involved in multiple car accidents that have caused bodily harm.

“Mistakes happen,” said Lorenz. “Sometimes we may be at fault for causing a crash. Driving is something that needs to be taken seriously. We can increase the safety on vehicles, but we can’t take the human error of bad driving out of the car, so this legislation will punish those that are chronic bad drivers and hopefully make others be more attentive behind the wheel.”

Lorenz’s legislation will also impose a license suspension between one and 10 years for the new vehicular assault offense. The duration of the suspension will be based on the circumstances of the crash.

The legislation awaits an assignment to a House committee.