Ohio Turnpike, Ohio State Highway Patrol encourage safe driving at Toledo Auto Show

While motorists are enjoying the Toledo Auto Show, law enforcement and the Ohio Turnpike officials want to remind those drivers to be mindful on the road.

In the middle of the showroom in Glass City Center, the turnpike commission and the Ohio State Highway Patrol have partnered to encourage motorists to drive safely ahead of construction projects on the turnpike and future weather events.

“Far too often, our troopers, our first responders, and our partners at the turnpike see tragedies that occur on roadways,” said Sgt. Ryan Purpura, spokesman for the Ohio State Highway Patrol. “Many of these tragedies are preventable and ultimately result in loss of life or injury to others.”

From 2019 to 2023, there were 30,800 speed-related crashes and 348 crashes caused by distracted driving, he said.

During that time, 16 people died and 1,500 were injured in speed-related crashes, one person died and 140 were injured because of distracted driving, and 20 people died because they weren’t wearing seat belts, the sergeant said.

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