Troopers target violators of Ohio’s Move Over law in ODOT work zones

CLEVELAND — Ohio State Freeway Patrol troopers are becoming a member of Ohio Division of Transportation work websites to assist implement Ohio’s Transfer Over legislation.

The legislation requires drivers to maneuver over into an adjoining lane when approaching any car with flashing or rotating lights stopped on the roadside. If shifting lanes isn’t potential, drivers ought to decelerate and proceed with warning.

The Transfer Over legislation exists in all 50 states, however one of the weak teams of roadside staff are Ohio Division of Transportation (ODOT) workers. 

Since Jan. 2022, ODOT workers, automobiles and tools have been struck 83 occasions. 

Probably the most latest incidents was on I-77 northbound in Summit County when a dump truck veered off the roadway and hit an ODOT car with an worker inside. The automobiles burst into flames, and each the ODOT worker and dump truck driver suffered severe accidents.

“Our women and men put their lives on the road every single day to supply a protected and dependable transportation system for the travelling public,” mentioned ODOT District 12 Deputy Director John Picuri in a information launch. “We’re grateful for what our companions on the Ohio State Freeway Patrol do to maintain our work zones protected and ask that the motoring public do their half by slowing down and shifting over.”

Between 2017 and 2021, troopers issued greater than 26,000 citations for violating the Transfer Over Legislation. Males accounted for 59% of the citations and 36% have been issued between June and August. 

Akron Put up troopers joined an in a single day work zone on I-76 eastbound in Summit County final week whereas Warren District Business Enforcement troopers joined ODOT crews on I-80 in Trumbull County for enforcement and to boost consciousness.

Between the 2 places, a mixed six hours labored resulted in 18 motorists being cited for violating the legislation. 

“Shifting over helps shield the lives of everybody who works on or makes use of our roadways,” mentioned Lt. Jonathan Ganley, Akron Put up commander. “Shifting over isn’t simply the legislation; it’s the suitable factor to do.”

For extra info on Ohio’s work zones, and what troopers do to make them safer, click on right here.