As summer travel reaches its peak, the Ohio State Highway Patrol is emphasizing the critical importance of following posted speed limits to ensure safety on the road.
Speeding remains one of the top causes of crashes, injuries, and fatalities across Ohio, and slowing down is one of the simplest ways drivers can protect themselves and others.
“Speed-related crashes are preventable, and slowing down could save your life or the life of a loved one,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “Speed limits are there for everyone’s safety, and I encourage all drivers to remain fully attentive to the road and adhere to posted speed limits.”
Speed limits are not merely suggestions; they are carefully established based on road design, traffic volume, and surrounding environments.
Their primary purpose is to keep all road users safe.
Slowing down offers several key safety benefits:
- Increased reaction time: Lower speeds give drivers more time to spot and respond to hazards, pedestrians, or sudden changes in road conditions.
- Reduced stopping distance: The faster a vehicle is moving, the longer it takes to come to a complete stop.
- Less severe crashes: Higher speeds cause more forceful impacts, increasing the likelihood of serious injuries or fatalities.
- Protection of roadside workers and emergency responders: Following “Move Over” laws and slowing down near work zones and emergency vehicles is vital to protect those keeping Ohio’s roads safe.
“Speeding is a choice, and it’s a choice that can have devastating consequences,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol Superintendent. “Every time you exceed the speed limit, you’re not just putting yourself at risk, you’re endangering everyone else on the road.”
From 2020 through 2024, Ohio recorded 146,983 crashes involving unsafe speeding, with 1,713 speed-related fatal crashes resulting in 1,890 deaths during that period.
For those interested in detailed traffic safety data, Ohio’s Statistics and Analytics for Traffic Safety (OSTATS) dashboard provides extensive crash information.
While the Patrol will continue enforcing all traffic laws, including speed limits, ultimately, preventing speeding-related crashes depends on each driver’s responsibility.
Members of the public are encouraged to report reckless or impaired drivers and suspicious drug activity safely by dialing #677.
