The Jackson Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol will be focusing on crash reduction at the intersection of U.S. Route 35 and Cain Road from January 10, 2019 through the month of February.
The main purpose of this effort will be to reduce the number of crashes, specifically injury and fatal crashes, that have occurred in this area. From January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2018, there were a total of 22 crashes within a 1/10th mile radius of the U.S. Route 35 and Cain Road intersection. Of these 22 crashes five resulted in injuries and three resulted in a fatality, two of which occurred in the last few months of 2018. Furthermore, the majority of the crashes, which were attributed to motorists failing to yield to oncoming traffic, occurred between the hours of 5AM and 8AM in the morning and 2PM to 5PM in the afternoon.
According to Sergeant Michael McManis, Assistant Jackson Post Commander, each patrol post in the State of Ohio targets high crash areas in each of Ohio’s 88 counties at least twice a year and more as needed. To assist in this effort, the Highway Patrol uses statistical data provided by its Statistical Analysis Unit in an effort to maximize resources and achieve the desired traffic safety goal(s). Generally, the effort lasts for a period of at least thirty days and focuses on changing driving behavior in the area in addition to educating the motoring public on the dangers of engaging in risky driving behavior. At the end of the given time period, the results are evaluated and future efforts are planned if the desired traffic safety goal(s) are not achieved.
Since January 1, 2014 a total of 358 traffic citations have been issued to motorists in the targeted area, the majority of them for speeding.
During the enforcement effort, Troopers will be working with Highway Patrol’s District 9 Commercial Enforcement Unit and Aviation Section. In addition, deputies from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office have been asked to assist. Workers from the Ohio Department of Transportation have erected signs designating this area a “Traffic Enforcement Zone”. Traffic violations, specifically failure to yield and distracted driving violations, will be aggressively targeted and enforced. As always, motorists are urged to wear their seat belt and drive sober. Through these continuing efforts it is hoped 2019 can be the safest year on record for the motoring public in the State of Ohio.