For Immediate Release: July 30, 2026
Ohio Traffic Safety Office and Ohio State Highway Patrol Unveil New Rollover Simulator for Safety Belt Education at the Ohio State Fair
COLUMBUS — The Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO), in partnership with the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), is announcing the debut of a new rollover simulator designed to educate Ohioans about the importance of safety belt use. The simulator will make its first public appearance at the 2026 Ohio State Fair in Columbus, running July 29 through August 9.
The rollover simulator is an educational tool that replicates the motion and impact forces experienced during a low-speed rollover crash. By safely demonstrating how occupants move inside a vehicle during a rollover, the simulator provides a powerful, real-time look at how safety belts prevent serious injuries and save lives.
Crash statistics from the Ohio State Highway Patrol demonstrate just how dangerous it is to ride in a vehicle without wearing a safety belt. From 2021 through 2025, 73% of all fatalities in rollover crashes involved individuals not wearing an available safety belt, resulting in 697 deaths. Unrestrained injuries also remain a significant concern, with more than 6,500 unrestrained injuries recorded during the same period.
“This simulator brings crash-prevention education to life,” said OTSO Director Emily Davidson. “Seeing the dramatic difference between a restrained and unrestrained occupant is far more impactful than statistics alone. It’s an experience people remember.”
During the Ohio State Fair, OTSO staff will operate the simulator and speak with visitors about occupant protection, crash risks, and practical steps every Ohioan can take to stay safe on the road. Fairgoers will have the opportunity to view the rollover demonstration and learn how proper safety belt usage reduces the risk of fatal injuries by nearly half. The simulator can be viewed at the 17th Avenue entrance and exit gate.
“The partnership between OTSO and the Patrol allows us to reach Ohioans with a life-saving message,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “The simulator is an excellent tool for starting conversations about the importance of always wearing a safety belt.”
Following its debut at the Ohio State Fair, the simulator will travel to community events, safety fairs, schools and outreach programs across Ohio. For more information about seat belt safety in Ohio, visit www.buckleup.ohio.gov, where there are resources from OTSO to help protect occupants of all ages – from newborns and children to older adults.
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As a division within the Ohio Department of Public Safety, the Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO) is dedicated to saving lives and preventing injuries on Ohio’s roads by using creative leadership, innovative education and comprehensive enforcement programs. OTSO strives to work in partnership with local, state and federal entities to advance equity in highway safety programs, ensuring they benefit all road users in Ohio. For FFY2026, OTSO awarded over $23 million in federal funds to 195 Ohio agencies for statewide programming to improve traffic safety and reduce traffic-related fatalities. Learn more about OTSO’s initiatives at https://otso.ohio.gov
For additional information, contact:
Judy Converse, Ohio Traffic Safety Office
(614) 644-6052 – office
(614) 981-1751 - mobile
jlconverse@dps.ohio.gov
Lieutenant Brice A. Nihiser, Ohio State Highway Patrol
oshp@dps.ohio.gov
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