Truckers heading across Ohio this Labor Day weekend should be prepared for stepped-up enforcement in highway work zones. The Ohio Turnpike and the Ohio State Highway Patrol announced a coordinated push to cut down on dangerous driving and reduce crashes along the toll road.
According to a release issued Tuesday, traffic is expected to rise with the holiday rush, and officials say that means higher risks on the road. “With an increase in traffic comes a greater risk of crashes, and far too many of these crashes occur in work zones,” the release stated.
So far in 2025, there have already been 252 work zone crashes on the Ohio Turnpike. Many of those wrecks were preventable, according to officials.
Troopers say they will keep a sharp focus on violations that lead directly to crashes, especially speeding. Enforcement will include both patrol cars and aircraft watching traffic from above. “This is a necessary step as so far this year, troopers have issued 1,666 citations in turnpike work zones,” the release stated. “Of these citations, 56% were for 20 miles per hour or more over the speed limit, which is way too fast.”
Truck drivers know better than most the importance of slowing down and staying alert in tight construction areas. Simple choices like observing posted limits, watching signage carefully, leaving more following distance, and cutting out distractions “can go a long way in protecting everyone,” according to the release.
Officials added that construction crews are especially vulnerable because they often do not have the protection of heavy barriers. “It’s important to remember that not all workers in work zones are protected by concrete barrier walls,” the Ohio Turnpike stated. “In many cases, only barrels or cones separate roadway workers from vehicles traveling at highway speeds. This limited protection makes it even more critical for drivers to stay focused and cautious at all times while traveling through work zones. Let’s Be Safe Together.”
For truckers running the Ohio Turnpike this holiday weekend, the message is clear: keep it slow, keep it safe, and avoid unnecessary violations that could cost more than just money.
Source: The Trucker
