LORAIN COUNTY, Ohio — Lorain County officials have announced a partnership between ODOT and the Ohio State Highway Patrol to initiate a new “traffic safety corridor" along a portion of state Route 2.
"The goal of this corridor is to improve safety by reducing crashes, injuries, and fatalities," authorities said in a press release.
The safety corridor will stretch along Route 2 from Baumhart Road to I-90 in Brownhelm and Elyria. The new enforcement effort is expected to begin Friday, Aug. 7.
"From 2015-2019, the section of SR 2 between Erie County and the I-90 interchange had 588 crashes resulting in 106 injuries and five fatalities," officials said.
Drivers can expect to see increased law enforcement within the safety corridor, which will be marked with new signage alerting drivers when they enter and exit. There will also be reminders for drivers to follow safe driving habits.
“Contributing factors to a large percentage of the crashes in this corridor include following too close, changing lanes improperly and traveling at unsafe speeds,” said ODOT District 3 Deputy Director Bob Weaver. “We appreciate this partnership with the Highway Patrol and are looking forward to reducing these types of crashes as a lot of them could be avoided if drivers would slow down and pay attention."
Lt. Alan Dunbar, commander of the Elyria post, said safety is the primary concern for everybody on the roads.
“The purpose of establishing this safety corridor is to bring further awareness and education to the motorists of Ohio, while addressing it through traffic enforcement.”