CHILLICOTHE, Ohio – The Ross County Sheriff’s Office announced today that it has been awarded $25,772.84 in federal traffic safety funding from the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s (ODPS) Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO) for the 2025 federal fiscal year.
The grant is part of ongoing efforts to enhance road safety and reduce traffic-related incidents in Ross County. According to crash data from the past three years, impaired driving contributed to 328 crashes, resulting in 123 injuries and 14 fatalities in the county.
In response to these statistics, the Sheriff’s Office plans to utilize the grant funds to implement high-visibility enforcement strategies aimed at deterring dangerous driving behaviors. Deputies will reportedly work to increase patrols during peak travel times, with a strong focus on identifying and stopping:
- Impaired drivers
- Distracted drivers
- Speeding violations
Increased Patrols for Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend
To kick off the initiative, extra deputies will be on patrol during the busy Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The sheriff’s office said their goal is to keep roads safe as residents travel for family gatherings, shopping, and other seasonal activities.
A Statewide Effort
The grant aligns with ODPS’s broader mission to enhance traffic safety across Ohio. Similar initiatives are being rolled out in counties statewide, utilizing crash data to direct resources to areas with the highest need.