The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) announced a partnership with the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission (OTIC) to curb dangerous driving in 2025, with special emphasis on “how drivers of passenger vehicles interact with commercial trucks on the roadway.”
In a February 7 release, OSHP announced an increased focus on traffic safety initiatives for 2025 to promote roadway safety for drivers of passenger and commercial vehicles on the 241-mile Ohio Turnpike (I-80, I-90, and I-76).
“The motoring public can expect to see troopers conducting high-visibility patrols on the turnpike through the rest of 2025, focusing on distracted driving, speed enforcement and safety belt usage,” said Lt. Erica Gockstetter. “But we cannot just enforce our way to a safer Ohio Turnpike. To truly create the safest driving environment, we need a commitment from motorists to drive in ways that are responsible and safe.”
During the increased patrols on the Ohio Turnpike, troopers will particularly be emphasizing interactions between passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles.
“We want to remind the motoring public to use caution around commercial vehicles. Avoid the no-zone by staying out of the blind areas in the front, back and sides of these vehicles. Do not cut in front of a commercial vehicle, as they require more stopping distance than a passenger vehicle,” Lt. Gockstetter added. “We equally ask commercial drivers to drive alert, follow the hours-of-service regulations, and be attentive to blind spots when changing lanes. Additionally, driving appropriately for road or weather conditions is crucial.”
From 2020 through 2024, officials say that on the Ohio Turnpike, there were 3,810 speed-related crashes, where 18 people lost their lives and 1,514 people were injured; 326 crashes where a distraction was a contributing factor, causing one fatality and 141 injuries; and there were 29 fatalities where a safety belt was available, but not in use