Distracted driver fines may help pay for driver’s ed in Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The state of Ohio is proposing more fines for distracted driving, with the money going to help subsidize driver’s education courses for those who can’t afford them.

The Columbus Dispatch reports that the Drive Toward a Safer Ohio initiative is part of the public safety agency’s budget and includes changes to driver training, driver testing and driver safety.

One part of the plan proposed by the Ohio Department of Public Safety on Wednesday would allow courts to levy an additional fine for distracted driving, much like additional fines are allowed for speeding in a construction zone. There are no estimates of how much those fines would generate.

Public Safety Director John Born told the House Finance Committee the agency wants to “raise the bar” on driver’s education.