COLUMBUS – The Columbus Division of Police, the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio State Highway Patrol have launched a cooperative program to raise traffic safety awareness and reduce crashes in the Columbus metropolitan region.
In the first eight months of 2018, 65 fatal crashes claimed 68 lives in Franklin County. During the same time, 15,616 traffic crashes occurred in Columbus including 4,219 injury and 48 fatal crashes. Many of these crashes occur in high-density traffic areas, such as intersections, interstates and construction zones. Increased visibility and enforcement will focus on crash-causing violations in these identified areas.
Excessive speed remains a leading factor in work zone-related crashes. In addition to enforcement, ODOT will utilize overhead message boards to remind Columbus drivers to slow down.
Impaired driving continues to play a significant role in deadly crashes, accounting for one in four fatal crashes in the region. Other crash-causing violations include failure to yield, following too closely, and improper lane changes or passing and distracted driving.
Roadway safety is a shared responsibility. Everyone can contribute to safer roads by following traffic laws, always wearing seatbelts and never driving while impaired.