(Submitted by Safe Communities of Wood County)
U.S. 6 continues to be a problem roadway throughout Wood, Henry and Sandusky counties in Northwest Ohio. From 2013 to 2018, there have been six fatal crashes with 319 total crashes being investigated along this deadly route. Additionally, 67 percent of people killed along Route 6 were not wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash.
Law enforcement, ODOT, and community partners established a collaborative in 2018 to address the issues on Route 6 during the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer,” focusing their efforts from Memorial Day Weekend through the Labor Day Holiday.
This partnership focuses on education, awareness, and high visibility enforcement. In addition, a Distracted Driving Corridor was established from Interstate 75 in Wood County east to the Erie County line in 2019. ODOT erected signage along Route 6 to raise awareness and advise motorists of strict enforcement.
As a result of their collaborative efforts, deputies and troopers made more than 2,522 traffic stops along Route 6 with 1,291 citations being issued for various violations. In addition, nine individuals were arrested for impaired driving, and officers handled 89 crashes with two resulting in a fatality.
The collaborative reminds the public to not drink and drive and wear their seatbelt.
