CLEVELAND — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine on Wednesday announced a plan for "enhanced enforcement" to prevent traffic accidents in work zones, including designating priority zones on I-90 in Cuyahoga County and I-77 in Summit County.
DeWine joined Ohio State Highway Patrol Superintendent Col. Charles Jones and Ohio Department of Transportation Director Jack Marchbanks to announce the steps, which include increased trooper presence including motorcycle units and increased use of the OSHP's aviation unit.
"Drivers are expected to slow down and pay attention in work zones, yet unsafe driving in road construction areas continues to be a serious problem," DeWine said in a news release. "I've asked the Ohio State Highway Patrol to dedicate more resources to patrolling work zones, and troopers will have no tolerance for reckless drivers. We're doing this not only to protect road workers but for the safety of all travelers."
DeWine's office says OSHP troopers will target "crash-causing violations," including speeding, reckless driving and driving while impaired or distracted.
According to ODOT, there are currently more than 500 active road construction zones in the state, and 950 more road projects are planned before summer's end. OSHP troopers are focusing on long-term work zones, "where crashes and reckless driving are frequent," DeWine's office said.
"As our thoughts turn to warmer temperatures, graduations, family vacations, and trips to the ball fields, it is important to remember the vital message that moving over, slowing down, and paying attention to flashing lights can and does save lives," Jones said. "The Patrol is fully committed to identifying and addressing dangerous behaviors such as distracted driving and unsafe speed within work zones."
The OSHP will put an increased focus on 10 "Priority Work Zones" where long-term projects are being completed. The Priority Work Zones are located as follows:
- I-70 - Muskingum County
- I-77 - Summit County
- I-475 - Lucas County
- I-280 - Lucas County
- I-90 - Cuyahoga County
- SR 32 - Brown County
- I-71 - Clinton/Fayette counties
- I-75 - Montgomery County
- I-75 - Auglaize County
- I-75 - Hancock County
ODOT has launched other initiatives aimed at preventing work zone crashes, including a new queue detection program, installing rumble strips in certain work zones and piloting technology that allows orange construction zone barrels to be placed and removed remotely.
Ohio's Move Over Law requires drivers to shift over one lane when passing any vehicle with flashing lights on the side of the road or slow down if changing lanes is not possible.
Dana King, whose 21-year-old son Alex was killed in a crash while working in a construction zone in Butler Counter in 2021, shared a message with drivers as road construction season peaks between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
"All I can ask of you is that you please slow down, pay attention, put your phone down, and realize that these accidents happen in a split second," King said. "One small distraction can cause a lifetime of devastation. You never think it can happen to you until it happens to you."