COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Dr. Jack Marchbanks have announced the allocation of $54 million in funding for numerous transportation safety projects across the state. These projects aim to address two specific types of fatal traffic crashes that have seen an increase in recent years.
The funds, obtained from ODOT’s Highway Safety Improvement Program, will be utilized in 30 counties to enhance traffic safety and minimize the risk of pedestrian-involved crashes and roadway departure accidents, which have contributed to the rising number of fatalities in Ohio.
“We have observed an alarming rise in fatalities resulting from pedestrian-involved crashes and roadway departures in our state. With the implementation of Ohio’s new distracted driving law, we are witnessing an improvement in driver focus. However, it is equally important to ensure the structural safety of our roads,” stated Governor DeWine. “The infrastructure projects supported by this funding will be designed to help prevent these deadly crashes.”
In 2021, both pedestrian-involved crashes and roadway departure accidents reached their highest levels in years. The number of pedestrian fatalities rose to 176 in 2021, compared to 88 in 2013. While there was a slight decrease to 165 pedestrian deaths in 2022, it remained a concerning figure. Roadway departure crashes claimed the lives of 703 individuals in Ohio in 2021 and 688 individuals in 2022, compared to 576 in 2013.
The safety projects aimed at mitigating pedestrian fatalities will involve the installation of high-visibility crossings, advanced yield markings, improved lighting, and the implementation of traffic calming measures like speed bumps. Additionally, pedestrian-activated signals will be installed near schools.
To address roadway departure crashes, safety initiatives will focus on widening shoulders, reducing slopes, eliminating deep ditches, and installing rumble stripes, particularly on high-speed rural roads.
This funding represents the second round of grant awards dedicated to combating these specific types of crashes. In May 2022, Governor DeWine announced $51 million in grants for projects targeting roadway departures and pedestrian-involved crashes in 32 counties.
“Since Governor DeWine assumed office in 2019, ODOT’s traffic safety program has experienced unprecedented investment, making it the largest allocation in the department’s history,” emphasized ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks. “This has empowered our team to address a range of safety concerns across the state, from hazardous intersections to pedestrian-related crashes and roadway departures.”
The detailed list of Highway Safety Improvement Grants can be found in the provided link.
These grants form part of Governor DeWine’s comprehensive plan to enhance the safety of Ohio’s roads. Earlier this year, the Governor signed a bill that significantly strengthened laws regarding the use of cell phones and other electronic devices while driving. Additionally, an awareness campaign on distracted driving was launched to educate drivers about the new legislation.
Other driver safety initiatives introduced by Governor DeWine include the improvement of the state’s 150 most dangerous intersections, the implementation of the “Ready, Test, Drive!” virtual driver assessment program, the establishment of the Ohio Traffic Safety Council, the development of an enhanced work zone traffic enforcement plan, and the initiation of a juvenile court program aimed at providing young drivers with increased access to advanced driver training.