CLEVELAND — The Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission kicked off a renewed safety campaign Friday at the Cleveland Auto Show, announcing stepped-up patrols and enforcement measures for 2026.
The agencies said their joint effort will focus on combating distracted driving and excessive speeding, two leading causes of serious crashes on Ohio roadways. Although fatal crashes on the Ohio Turnpike fell to a five-year low in 2025, with 10 deaths recorded, officials stressed there is still work to be done.
“This positive trend shows that motorists are making safer choices, but one distracted or impaired decision can undo those gains in an instant,” said Col. Charles A. Jones, superintendent of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. “Our troopers will be out in full-force visibility patrols to remind drivers that safety always comes first.”
The Turnpike Commission echoed the message, emphasizing that lower fatality rates are no reason to relax enforcement. The Turnpike’s director of administration and toll operations noted that troopers issued thousands of speed-related citations last year, and technology upgrades are helping officers spot unsafe driving more efficiently.
Officials used the Auto Show event — a key stop for industry professionals and car enthusiasts alike — to reach a wide audience and draw attention to responsible driving. Educational exhibits at the show include distracted driving simulators and child passenger safety demonstrations.
Both agencies said the 2026 campaign will include targeted weekend patrols, social media outreach, and data-driven enforcement zones along the 241-mile Ohio Turnpike corridor.
“The numbers are encouraging, but our mission is zero fatalities,” Jones said. “That goal will guide every mile we patrol.”
