Driving instructor reacts to app-based driver education legislation
ROCKY RIVER, Ohio (WJW) – Jumping behind the wheel for the first time can be a very scary situation for teen drivers.
“Oh yes, I think so,” 911 Driving School Instructor Gary Easter said. “Some inexperienced drivers will get in there the first time, and they’re intimidated. But hopefully, through our instruction, they get familiar with us and we get familiar with them and their driving habits.”
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Most young drivers learn from instructors like Easter as required by Ohio law. However, a Columbus-based insurance company is developing an app that may change that.
Grange Insurance is in the developmental stage of producing an app that aims to improve driver and training outcomes and safety, according to the company.
Corresponding legislation is being drafted in the Ohio Statehouse via Senate Bill 218 to authorize an eligible adult to act in lieu of a driver training instructor while using an authorized electronic device or application.
“I don’t know if that’s the future or not,” Easter said. “But all I know currently is when we’re working with the students, it’s just so important to have hands-on with those students. At 911, well any driving school, we don’t just teach them to pass their driving test. We teach them to have fundamentals and confidence for the rest of their life.”
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Grange Insurance was not available for an interview for this story but did issue a statement to Fox 8 explaining that its planning around the app.
“Due to the competitive marketplace and rapidly changing nature of innovation, we do not comment publicly on any innovation initiatives that are in development. We can say that the app is envisioned as a support tool to improve driver training outcomes and safety, and not as a replacement for trained, in-person driver education practices. There is no specific timetable for the product’s launch at this time,” the statement said.
State Senator Tim Schaffer was also not available for an interview in time for this story to air.
Multiple driving schools told Fox 8 they generally oppose the concept, saying hands-on learning with an expert is invaluable.
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“We’re really concerned about teaching these kids the right way to drive because it affects all of us on the street, everybody,” Easter said. “And we want to make sure they are able to get on the road and drive confident with.”
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