Rep. Scherer Leads on Legislation Improving Ohio's Young Driver Licensing System

COLUMBUS—State Representative Gary Scherer (R-Circleville), alongside State Representative Michael Sheehy (D-Oregon), today participated in a press conference to discuss their jointly-sponsored legislation, House Bill 293, a bill lengthening Ohio’s temporary instruction permit time from six to 12 months and instituting nighttime driving protections for new licensees at 10:00 PM.

With car crashes the main cause of death in American teenagers, House Bill 293 revises and updates Ohio’s young driver licensing system in order to make Ohio’s roads safer. The bill works to ensure that young drivers, under the new 12-month temporary permit time, would gain experience in all seasons and driving conditions, giving them time to obtain thorough experience and adequate preparation for their permanent license.

“As a parent and grandparent, I know how important the safety of our children is,” said Scherer. “I am hopeful that we can get this bill to the Governor’s desk in this General Assembly.”

In anticipation of Teen Driver Safety Week (October 21 – 27), Reps. Scherer and Sheehy were joined by AAA, Susan Hans, president of the Ohio PTA, and several parents who have experienced the loss of a teen driver in their families.

House Bill 293 has been passed out of the Ohio House Transportation and Public Safety Committee and awaits a hearing on the House floor. The bill is supported by AAA, the Ohio PTA, and a number of other organizations.

To watch the press conference, please use this link to view the Ohio Channel’s coverage of the event: http://www.ohiochannel.org/video/press-conference-modernizing-teen-driver-licensure.