CUYAHOGA COUNTY, Ohio — Over the next few weeks you will see more troopers on the highway in an effort to crack down on distracted driving in Medina and Cuyahoga Counties.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) have joined forces to implement a “Distracted Driving Safety Initiative” starting Monday, August 17th and lasting through September.
The Distracted Driving Enforcement Zone will be along I-71 between I-271 in Medina County and SR 84 in Cuyahoga County. Additional troopers and signs will be in the zone areas to raise awareness and reduce accidents from distracted driving.
“The dangers of distracted driving are apparent to everyone. Every time someone takes their eyes off the road – even for just a few seconds – they put their lives and the lives of others in danger,” said Lieutenant Mark Neff, Medina Post commander. “The purpose of establishing this zone is to bring further awareness and education to the problem of distracted driving.”
According to a press release sent by the Ohio State Highway Patrol : Distracted driving is any non-driving activity with the potential to distract a person from the primary task of driving and increase the risk of crashing.
Distractions can be:
- Visual, taking eyes off of the road;
- Manual, taking hands off the wheel;
- Cognitive, taking the mind off driving.
Texting while driving is an example that results in all three types of distraction.
If you see something isn't right while driving on the highway you can report your concerns by calling #677. The public is asked to report any drug activity and any dangerous or impaired drivers.