Ohio Traffic Safety Office

The Governor's Highway Safety Office is now known as the Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO). With some realignment and the addition of the Traffic Statistics section (formerly Data Services), the new name more closely represents the office. The office will now consist of Motorcycle Ohio, Driver Training, Office Administration, Federal Programs and Traffic Statistics. The mission of the office remains the same which is to, "Save lives and reduce injuries on Ohio’s roads through leadership and partnering efforts with others interested in traffic safety, utilizing the most innovative and efficient methods possible of managing state and federal resources."

The OTSO receives federal funding from US DOT/NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), which is distributed throughout the state to address identified traffic safety problems. The grants focus primarily on law enforcement activities, educational programs, coalition-building efforts and public information campaigns. Grants are awarded to agencies at the state, county and local level.

The statewide Driver Training Program oversees driver training for new drivers, persons with disabilities, commercial motor vehicle drivers, juvenile and adult remedial programs, as well as owner/manager, supervisor and instructor training and development.

Motorcycle Ohio (MO) is the state's motorcycle safety and education program. MO provides motorcycle rider courses for beginning and experienced riders, as well as instructor courses. Besides rider education and instructor development activities, MO addresses impaired operation, motorist awareness, motorcycle licensing, and conspicuity through public information and education campaign and other related activities.