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Year-to-Date Confirmed Fatalities, Current vs 2024 Fatalities
 FATAL CRASHES 2025 MAP can be found here.
OSTATS CRASH DASHBOARD can be found here.
 The Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO), a division of The Ohio Department of Public Safety, is bringing together partners from across the state who share OTSO’s mission of preventing crashes and saving lives on our roadways. The second annual two-day Ohio Traffic Safety Summit is an opportunity for hundreds of traffic safety professionals, educators, and law enforcement to share resources and ideas, while learning new strategies to address the leading causes for vehicle crashes in Ohio.
Last year, OTSO hosted around 450 attendees, and this year 545 people and counting have registered to attend.
Workshop topics include pedestrian safety, preventing distracted driving and marijuana-impaired driving, post-crash care with EMS, supporting older road users, teen drivers, vehicle technology, and motorcycle safety. Keynote speakers will be Rick Birt, the Director of the Washington, D.C. Highway Safety Office, and Darrin Grondel from the National Alliance to Stop Impaired Driving.
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On Monday, OTSO presented the inaugural Ohio Traffic Safety Service and Leadership awards during the opening session:
- Anna Piper, Columbus Public Health
- Office Matthew Schaub, Green Township Police Department
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The Traffic Safety Service award is presented to an Ohio law enforcement officer who is going above and beyond to keep road users and their communities safe through enforcement and education.
The Leadership Award recognizes exceptional efforts to increase traffic safety awareness by building partnerships and motivating and influencing their peers.
Congratulations to the 2025 award recipients!
Motorcycle Ohio, a program of the Ohio Traffic Safety Office, presented “Saved by the Helmet” recognitions at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force on May 9 and at University Hospitals' and Southeast Harley Davidson's safety & awareness event on May 10. The award is given throughout the year to those who survive serious crashes while wearing a helmet.
Included in the presentations are certificates of recognition and new replacement helmets courtesy of the Ohio Department of Public Safety.
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Riders over 18 are not required by Ohio law to wear a helmet, but Motorcycle Ohio hopes that acknowledging riders who wear protective gear will help to promote and increase awareness of the life-saving value of motorcycle helmets.
June is Saved by the Helmet month!
If you know a rider who deserves this recognition, fill out the online nomination form here: Saved By The Helmet
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The Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO) is partnering with AAA Northeast and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) to implement a program to educate high school students about the risks of underage cannabis/marijuana use while driving. “Shifting Gears: The Blunt Truth About Marijuana & Driving” uses science-based information to explain the physical and cognitive processes that are affected by cannabis and how those effects can impact the ability to drive safely.
Agencies and organizations that are interested in presenting “Shifting Gears” to classes of high school students must first complete a mandatory training session:
- June 13 - Columbus
- July 9 - Milan
- August 8 - North Canton
CLICK HERE to register for one of these free training sessions
OTSO will reimburse public agencies and applicable non-profits $200 per class/presentation. Current Federal grant recipients must first contact their OTSO planner to confirm reimbursement eligibility and requirements through their federal grant.
More details on reimbursement can be found here: Shifting Gears Reimbursement Form | Ohio Traffic Safety Office
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Drivers Urged to be Patient and Attentive for the Memorial Day Holiday |
Millions of drivers will hit the road for the Memorial Day holiday weekend, kicking off the unofficial start to summer.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) estimates that a record 45.1 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles from home during the holiday, 1.4 million more than 2024.
“Memorial Day is a busy time on Ohio’s roads as many Ohioans travel to spend time with family and friends,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “I encourage all drivers to be alert and prioritize safety behind the wheel.”
Last year in Ohio, 26 people were killed in 22 fatal crashes during the four-day Memorial Day weekend reporting period. The Ohio State Highway Patrol will be keeping a close eye on the roads with extra emphasis on seat belt violations, impaired or distracted drivers, and speeding.
“As we gather with friends and family this Memorial Day weekend to honor those who gave their lives in support of freedom, let’s not forget that safety on our roadways is a shared responsibly,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “Wear your safety belt, stay focused and never drive impaired. The decisions you make could save a life.”
You can help contribute to a safer Ohio by calling #677 to report drug activity and dangerous or impaired driving.
With nearly 1,000 new construction projects this year, there is a lot of work underway on Ohio roads. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) will work with contractors to suspend or reduce the size of active work zones as much as possible to accommodate the extra traffic. However, that's not possible in every situation. Travel delays due to road work are likely on I-75 in Dayton, and Cincinnati, I-70 through Columbus and Zanesville, and both I-76 and I-77 in Akron.
"There will be a lot of people traveling for Memorial Day and it is very important for drivers to focus, be aware, and give their full attention to the road and their surroundings," said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn. “Simple things like buckling up, obeying the speed limit, driving sober, and putting down the distractions can be the difference between a memorable holiday and a tragic one."
You can find information about work zones, view more than 1,000 live traffic cameras, see current road conditions, and traffic alerts at OHGO.com. County-by-county travel advisories are also available online.
With an increase in traffic, the ODOT Safety Patrol, sponsored by GEICO sees an increase in incidents during the busy travel holiday. The main priority of this free service is to keep traffic flowing through Ohio’s largest metro areas. Ohio residents and visitors can do their part by checking their fuel gauge to avoid running out of gas and keeping an eye out for other roadway users.
Remember, Ohio law requires you to move over a lane for all stationary public safety vehicles with flashing lights. If you cannot safely move over, you are required to slow down. This keeps all our roadside workers safe.
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ODOT Announces SHSP Regional Meetings |
The Ohio Department of Transportation is updating its Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) this year. Ohio’s SHSP is a comprehensive statewide plan that addresses the most prevalent causes of roadway deaths and serious injuries in Ohio. The plan is data-driven and establishes common statewide goals, priorities, and strategies for safety investments over a five-year period. Regional stakeholder meetings, where attendees will have the opportunity to learn about Vision Zero in Ohio, review crash data and trends, and discuss current and proposed safety strategies, are being held over the next several weeks. Details and links to RSVP are provided below:
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Monday, June 2nd in Marietta at Buckeye Hills
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Monday, July 7th in Blue Ash at the Blue Ash Recreation Center
Dayton area meeting details are coming soon!
   
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Communication is a key part of bicycle safety programs and May is Bicycle Safety Month — a great opportunity to include and increase bicycle safety messaging across all platforms. Be sure your bicycle safety communication plan includes:
- Driver behavior messaging
- The importance for bicyclists to wear a helmet
Many assets from NHTSA are available in English and Spanish: Get Materials Now
Pedestrian & bicycle safety cards available from OTSO:
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OTS0115 Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety Card: OTSO developed this new safety handout aimed at drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. The front side of the card shares tips for drivers to help keep vulnerable road users safe while sharing the road. The back addresses some tips to help bicyclists, e-scooter riders, and pedestrians avoid injuries on the roadways.
Available now on OTSO's Online Materials Order Form
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Click It or Ticket Enforcement Campaign
Click It or Ticket is a national high-visibility enforcement campaign that focuses specifically on the consequences of not wearing a seat belt while urging riders to always buckle up. Material created for this campaign highlights law enforcement’s goal of encouraging drivers and passengers to wear seat belts and to spread awareness about the increased police presence on our nation’s roads during this period. Key dates for 2025:
- Enforcement: May 19 - June 1, 2025
- Paid Media: May 12 - June 1, 2025
- Earned Media: May 5 - June 12, 2025
During the Memorial Day holiday, you can use many of the resources available on NHTSA's Traffic Safety Marketing page to increase your Click It or Ticket messaging. Sample News Releases, Social Media Posts, Graphics, and Talking Points are now available!
A reminder for participating agencies:
In order to document Ohio’s effort as we report to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), law enforcement partners are asked to report their enforcement and public awareness efforts for the "Click It or Ticket" mobilization.
- The 2025 Activity Reporting form can be downloaded HERE.
- Please complete and return your activity numbers to OTSO by June 17 either by fax or e-mail.
Thank you for your agency’s efforts in supporting the goal to make Ohio’s roads safe!
 Cannabis Impairment Training Available for Law Enforcement
Attitudes about using marijuana have shifted in Ohio in recent years. Now that adult use non-medical marijuana is allowed under state law, there are more opportunities than ever for Ohioans to access and use cannabis. Today's forms (including edibles, flower, and concentrates) have a much higher level of THC than in the past, and law enforcement can benefit greatly from advanced training to help recognize its presence in drivers.
Advanced Cannabis Impairment Training (ACIT) is an 8-hour course that is designed to train law enforcement officers to observe, identify, and articulate the indicators of impairment related to cannabis. With the goal to reduce impaired driving incidents and crashes, participants will engage in classroom and practical instruction by Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Instructors.
Participants must be a commissioned law enforcement officer or have attended ARIDE. Trainings will be held on the following dates:
All trainings are held at the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy in Columbus. Advance Registration is required.
JUNE 2025 TRAFFIC TUESDAY WEBINAR
Title: Over-the-Counter Drugs in Drugged-Driving Investigations (Ohio Bar Approval for 1.5-hr CLE Credit)
Date: Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Time: 2:00p-3:30p Eastern
Presenter: Jolene J. Bierly, MSFS, D-ABFT-FT Forensic Toxicologist NMS Labs, Maggie Nunley, DRE Instructor Regional DUI Program Administrator Region 5 Pennsylvania DUI Association
Description: While the impairing effects of ethanol are publicly acknowledged, the hazards of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications are less understood. This presentation will outline the pharmacology and effects of common OTC medications, including first-generation antihistamines and dextromethorphan.
CLICK HERE for more information and the registration link.
JULY 2025 TRAFFIC TUESDAY WEBINAR
Title: Navigating the High-Ways of Poly-Drugged Driving: A Growing Challenge to Roadway Safety (Ohio Bar Approval for 1.5-hr CLE Credit)
Date: Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Time: 2:00p-3:30p Eastern
Presenter: Chuck Hayes, International Assoc. of Chiefs of Police (Retired)
Description: Experts agree that the DUID landscape has changed dramatically, and drivers impaired by one single drug are not as prevalent today as in the past. Today's DUID "norm" is poly-drug or poly-substance use, with drivers often impaired by two or more drugs, or drugs used in combination with alcohol. This alarming trend is making roadside detection, arrests, toxicology analyses, and prosecution difficult, and has a dangerous impact on roadways. This workshop will address the current and evolving trends of poly-drugged driving and focus on how police can use their training to identify and take appropriate action when encountering a suspected poly-drug driver.
CLICK HERE for more information and the registration link.
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ONIC Law Enforcement Drug Summit
- Explore topics including investigations, intelligence, digital forensics, & laboratory science.
- Columbus, OH
- May 28-29, 2025
- Registration is FREE
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CLICK HERE for the event flyer & link to register
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Ohio School Safety Summit
- Annual event aimed at school staff, mental health professionals, and first responders across Ohio.
- Columbus, OH
- June 9-10, 2025
- Registration is FREE
- https://ohioschoolsafetysummit.com/
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NSA 2025 Annual Conference
- National Sheriffs' Association
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- June 23-26, 2025
- One of the premier law enforcement conferences in the nation with training sessions, seminars, exhibits, and more.
- Annual Conference 2025
IACP Impaired Driving and Traffic Safety (IDTS) Conference
Drug Recognition Expert Program
The Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Program is a traffic safety program that focuses on the detection, apprehension and adjudication of drug-impaired drivers.
A DRE is a law enforcement officer highly trained to recognize impairment in drivers under the influence of drugs other than, or in addition to alcohol.
For more information and how to apply for this free training, please view the DRE Application, School Information and Requirements by clicking here.
- 2025 DRE School Training Dates:
- Oct. 20 - 30 at OSHP Academy
- Nov. 5 - 11 Field Certifications out of state
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Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) provides officers with general knowledge related to drug impaired driving and to promote the use of Drug Recognition Experts (DRE). Officers attending this course will receive an update/refresher of Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFSTs) and must successfully pass an SFST proficiency evaluation. This training also promotes interaction with representatives from the state's prosecution community who are encouraged to attend. The instructors for this course are all Ohio DRE certified instructors.
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Prerequisite: Law enforcement officers must have had training in SFST (previously ADAP). This course is funded through an OTSO/NHTSA grant and is free for sworn Ohio law enforcement officers and prosecutors only. Tuition for out-of-state officers is $250.
- 2025 ARIDE Courses Sponsored by the DRE Program:
To register, please e-mail the corresponding e-mail address for the course.
 Free Advanced Driver Training Summer Series for Teen Drivers
May is National Youth Traffic Safety Month
 OTSO is partnering with Ohio-based Advanced Driver Training providers DriveTeam and Professional Driving Systems to conduct four FREE skills training events for teen drivers during the month of June. Newly licensed drivers or teens with a valid temporary permit are welcome to participate in one of these free sessions.
The summer series is planned to occur during the "100 deadliest days" for teen drivers - the time period between Memorial Day and Labor Day that historically accounts for more than a third of all teen crashes. Last year, during the first summer series, 760 teenagers completed this training.
"One of the biggest advantages for our team going on the road is the opportunity to train with teen drivers and their families that we would not have the opportunity to work with otherwise," said Drew Salyer, President and Owner of DriveTeam. "They may not have a chance to learn a skill that could keep them from avoiding a crash or even save their life."
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The 2025 Advanced Driver Training summer series begins May 31 at Owens Community College in Wood County with Professional Driving Systems hosting two sessions per day.
"Preparation for emergencies is the focus of advanced skills driver training," said Jeff Caldwell, owner of Professional Driving Systems. "With that focus in mind we put new drivers through rigorous exercises to hone those driving skills. Included in the training is crash avoidance/ evasive driving skills, both dry and wet straight-line braking, progressive braking, and skid prevention and recovery."
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| Date |
Location |
Spots Available (As of 5/2/25) |
May 31-June 1
*new dates |
Owens Community College
Wood County |
13 |
| June 10-11 |
Apollo Career Center
Allen County |
24 |
| June 11-12 |
Clark County Fairgrounds
Springfield |
Full
(standby list available) |
| June 24-25 |
Ohio University Zanesville
Muskingum County |
10 |
| August 9-10 |
IX Center - Cleveland
Cuyahoga County |
Registration Open Soon! |
| September TBD |
Manheim Cincinnati
Butler County |
Registration Open Soon! |
Parents can register their teens for a session at one of these events by following the link on the calendar on OTSO’s Advanced Driver Training resource web page.
"Through hands-on skills training we can put the driver in real life situations, in a safe environment, to practice avoiding or minimizing severe crashes." Salyer said. "My biggest take-away from last year's summer series was how grateful both the families and drivers were for being able to take the class, and how much they were able to learn in such a short period of time."
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CLICK HERE to download the Summer Series flyer and help spread the word in your community! (updated with new dates for Wood County)
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"The students are amazed with their abilities at the end of the session," said Caldwell. "They feel mentally and physically prepared to take on driving. But I think the reaction of the parents is priceless. We hear things like 'we never learned that,' or 'this is what every driving school should be teaching.' As instructors, it gives us the good feeling that we are helping to protect the most valuable thing a parent has, and that is their child."
The Ford Philanthropy’s award-winning Ford Driving Skills for Life is once again returning to Ohio for two more events in August and September.
Registration is not open yet for these events, but parents can sign up on the Ford Driving Skills for Life website to get notified when registration is open.
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Fast Facts for Educators
Help inform your community about local-level driving trends, dangerous roads and intersections, and seat belt usage statistics.
This educational tool is available publicly for driving instructors, Safe Communities, employers, and law enforcement to use for presentations and to display at events. Parents of teen drivers may also find them useful for the required 50 hours of in-car practice.
"Fast Facts" are updated every 6 months with the latest crash data, timely safety talking points, stories of real crashes. The handouts for all 88 counties in Ohio are available HERE.
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OTSO offers materials for numerous traffic safety campaigns, including impaired driving, restraint usage, distracted driving, speeding and motorcycles. Utilizing these free materials can make an impact that can reach beyond your community.
CLICK HERE to order online!
Outdated forms sent via fax or e-mail will still be accepted, but this online link will be updated when new materials are added to our inventory. More items coming soon!
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