Ohio Commits $137.5M to Boost Road Safety Across 41 Counties

Ohio's roads are getting a serious safety upgrade. On July 2, 2025, Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Transportation announced $137.5 million for 55 projects across 41 counties. The goal? Slash the number of crashes that kill or injure drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. This cash infusion, part of the Highway Safety Improvement Program, zeros in on trouble spots where wrecks keep happening.

The news hits hard because the stakes are high. Last year, 125 pedestrians died on Ohio's streets. This year, 50 have already lost their lives. Half of all fatal crashes involve cars veering off roads. These numbers represent people who didn't make it home. The state's response is a calculated bet on engineering fixes like roundabouts, wider shoulders, and better crosswalks.

What makes this effort stand out is its scale. Ohio spends more per person on road safety than any other state. Since 2021, traffic deaths have been dropping, and officials credit a mix of smart investments and hard data. But with lives on the line, the question looms: will these projects deliver, and can they address everyone's needs fairly?

The projects are laser-focused. Twenty-two of them will build sidewalks, shared paths, or upgrade crosswalks to protect pedestrians. Five target roadway departure crashes, when a vehicle leaves the travel lane and veers off the road, by widening the shoulder of roadways or smoothing out dangerous curves. Other efforts include roundabouts, intersection tweaks, and U-turn designs to prevent collisions. Each choice is backed by crash data pinpointing where things go wrong.

Research supports this approach. Studies show roundabouts can cut crashes by 35 to 45 percent. Widening shoulders on rural roads reduces wrecks by 20 to 35 percent. These are proven fixes. Ohio's program picks sites with the worst crash histories, ensuring money goes where it's needed most. The result? Fewer emergency calls and hospital bills, plus roads that work better for everyone.

Still, no fix is perfect. Rural areas get wider roads, but some worry this could encourage speeding. Urban neighborhoods need safer crossings, yet funding can't cover every block. The state's challenge is balancing these demands while keeping projects on track despite supply chain hiccups or construction delays.

Ohio's plan addresses safety for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrians and cyclists, especially in high-poverty areas, face bigger risks. Crash data shows higher fatality rates in low-income neighborhoods, where sidewalks or safe crossings are often missing. The state's response includes equity scoring to prioritize these communities, a move experts say boosts safety without wasting resources.

But fairness isn't simple. Rural counties need safer highways for drivers, while cities demand better walking routes. Some projects require local governments to chip in up to 10 percent, which can strain poorer areas. Ohio eases this with waivers for high-poverty counties, but coordinating among local officials, contractors, and utilities remains a logistical puzzle.

Stakeholders agree on one thing: data drives decisions. Advocates for safer streets, business owners who rely on smooth roads, and taxpayers all want results. Transparent scoring and post-project evaluations help ensure the money isn't wasted, building trust across diverse groups.

Ohio's been at this for a while. Since 2005, its safety plans have targeted deadly roads. A 2013 audit exposed delays, pushing the state to speed up approvals. A 2019 gas tax hike poured more money into safety, and since 2021, widespread use of roundabouts and shoulder upgrades has cut fatalities by 6 percent from 2023 to 2024. History shows progress is possible with focus and follow-through.

Experts stress that combining engineering with enforcement and education works best. For example, roundabouts save lives, but distracted driving laws and public awareness campaigns amplify the gains. Scholars also warn that as more people drive, safety improvements could stall without constant evaluation and fresh funding.

Ohio's $137.5 million plan represents a significant step. The state's data-driven approach, targeting high-risk spots with proven fixes, offers a model for others. Lives are already being saved, with fewer crashes since 2021. Yet pedestrian deaths remain high, and not every community feels the benefits equally.

Consensus exists on prioritizing the worst crash sites and using hard evidence to pick projects. There's room to grow, like dedicating more funds to urban walkers or rural drivers while keeping costs in check. Rigorous follow-ups will show what works and what needs tweaking, ensuring every dollar counts.

Ohio's roads serve as vital lifelines. This investment signals a commitment to making them safer for everyone, from city cyclists to rural commuters. If the state stays the course, blending science with community needs, it could redefine what safe travel means.