CLEVELAND — Crash statistics from the Ohio Department of Public Safety show speeding, more than any other factor, was to blame for 29,938 car crashes last year.

Police officer Jay Lee has seen first hand how speeding accidents have affected people.

“Seriously bodily harm to someone either death, that’s what I’ve seen in my 17 years,” he said.

It is part of the reason he decided to become a driving instructor.

“There’s more at stake,” Lee said. “I mean lives, lives are at stake when people speed.”

Lee emphasizes the importance of driving the speed limit to his students.

“We let them know that speed can really hurt someone and you can’t take it back,” he said.

Ohio joined 10 other states in taking part in “Speeding Awareness Day,” said to Judy Converse, public information officer for Ohio Traffic Safety Office.

“Speed awareness day is just kind of a one-day, high-visibility enforcement campaign by law enforcement across Ohio to get drivers to slow down,” she said.

Converse expressed the significance behind this day.

“This sends a huge message to drivers out there who are engaging in this dangerous behavior just to be more aware and to make sure safety is at the top of mind when they’re out on the roads,” she said.

Lee said he hopes the impacts of “Speeding Awareness Day” are long-lasting.