COLUMBUS, Ohio — As summer heats up, many new drivers are starting to hit the road.
Jason Hofmann has a packed schedule this summer, filled with teens ready to get behind the wheel. Driver education programs across Ohio, including AAA driver education instructors like Hofmann, typically see more students this time of year.
They also see more crashes involving teens. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, there were more than 9,000 teen-related crashes between Memorial Day and Labor Day last year. Thirty-seven of which were fatal.
“Your caution goes through the wind, you don't think about it as much. There is less structure. You don't have to be here or there at a certain time. Less parental supervision," said Hofmann.
And with less structure comes more distractions. Hofmann knows the dangers of distracted driving all too well. In 2019, he was hit by a distracted driver traveling on US-42, while working as a state trooper.
"I was outside of my car, in a not-so-great well-lit area an hour before sunrise, one week before Thanksgiving. I was off the right side of the road to the right side of the road with a flashlight and full reflective vest on. I spent four weeks in the hospital and could not walk for 10 weeks" said Hofmann.
After making a full recovery, Hofmann decided to use his experience to help young drivers stay safe behind the wheel. He incorporates distracted driving messages and other important non-traditional driving education tips into his lessons.
Hoffman encourages students to keep their friends in check, both as passengers and drivers.
"Be your own advocate, slow down, increase the space between you and that car in front of you. And make it home safe" said Hofmann.