 Ohio's most recent operating budget, which took effect July 1, 2025, created a Drones for First Responders Pilot Program to support the use of drones by law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency medical services. Drones as First Responders programs utilize pre-positioned or immediately dispatchable drones to reach emergency scenes before ground units, providing real-time situational awareness via live video feeds. This helps responders make informed decisions and improves efficiency and outcomes.
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Search and Rescue: Drones can fly in hazardous situations, including environments that are potentially flammable, confined spaces, and areas with difficult terrain. Drones can also cover large areas in a shorter amount of time than traditional methods.
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Crash Response: Drone footage can convey crash severity, potential hazards, and impact to traffic immediately following an incident. An overhead view of the crash can inform crews of the quickest route to the scene, where to block roadways, and where to divert traffic to safely navigate around the crash.
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Public Safety Incident Response: Drones can provide real-time visual information to enhance situational awareness. Some drones are also equipped with two-way communication for crisis negotiations.
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Medical Supplies Delivery: Drones can be used to drop automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and other critical supplies like Narcan, EpiPens, and tourniquets to the scene of an emergency.
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Natural Disaster Response: Drone footage can provide crews an aerial view to assess damage after natural disasters like a tornado or flood and plan recovery efforts on the ground.
ODOT is in the process of developing program requirements, evaluation metrics, and equipment specifications. We expect to begin accepting applications in November. Selected participants can use funds to purchase drone systems, for training support for drone operators, and for assistance with federal processes and approvals.
DriveOhio Campus Collection Now Available
We are excited to formally introduce our new DriveOhio Campus Collection, a free, innovative resource hub for colleges and universities designed to transform learning and drive the future of transportation. This collection offers comprehensive curricula on cutting-edge topics like automated and connected vehicles, drones, and vertiports.
In addition to a variety of uses for higher education, this curriculum can also be adapted and used with high school and middle school students to spark their interest in future mobility careers. The collection includes work-based learning projects, innovation challenges, and career resources to prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow.
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Ohio's EV Infrastructure Deployment
The U.S. Department of Transportation recently released new guidance for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, allowing states to submit an updated plan for EV infrastructure deployment. DriveOhio's plan was approved earlier this month, unlocking Ohio's NEVI funds.
Ohio is one of two states that lead the nation in NEVI station deployment with 19 fast-charging stations open and operational. An additional 19 sites are ready for construction, and we hope to break ground in the coming months. DriveOhio is excited to continue our momentum and anticipates releasing the next round of procurement by the end of the year.
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International Highway Engineering Exchange Program (IHEEP) Annual Conference in Myrtle Beach, SC
DriveOhio's Jamie Davis will participate in the UAS DOT Roundtable on October 6 at 3 p.m. and present Ohio UAS Center Overview on October 7 at 2:15 p.m.
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Pulitzer Electric Aircraft Races
For the first time in 100 years, the Pulitzer Trophy Air Races returns featuring electric aircraft to increase public awareness of AAM technology. The race will take place in Springfield, Ohio at the National AAM Center of Excellence.
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EV Crash Response Seminar
AAA Club Alliance will host a FREE electric vehicle crash response seminar at ODOT's Headquarters on October 14 from 1 - 5 p.m. to provide safety information to first responders, automotive service providers, tow providers, and anyone who may encounter an electric vehicle.
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2025 National Advanced Air Mobility Industry Forum
The fourth annual National AAM Industry Forum will take place in conjunction with the Pulitzer Electric Aircraft Races, bringing together manufacturers and suppliers from across the industry for networking, panel discussions, demonstrations, and static displays.
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Ohio Transportation Engineering Conference (OTEC)
DriveOhio's Rich Granger will participate in a panel titled Empowering the Next Generation of Transportation Innovators on Oct. 15 at 10 a.m.
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2025 Aim Hire Workforce & Engineering Conference
DriveOhio's Rich Granger will host a mentoring table during the afternoon session on October 16 at 2:50 p.m.
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Inaugural DriveOhio Research Roundup
Researchers are invited to join us on October 28 to share your work on topics related to AV systems including planning, sensing, perception, localization, control, and human factors.
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