CLEVELAND — Gov. Mike DeWine announced a new traffic safety initiative to help reduce speed-related crashes and focus on seat belt usage on I-90 in Cuyahoga County.

This corridor ranged from East 55th Street and East 260th Street, covering eight miles. According to Ohio State Highway Patrol, Cuyahoga County is the top county for speed-related and unbelted crashes. Approximately one-third of all crashes on this stretch of I-90 involved motorists who were not wearing an available seat belt. An increased number of troopers and officers will patrol this area and will have no tolerance for those violating speed and seat belt laws. 

“Officers and troopers are constantly encountering drivers on this section of I-90 who are driving recklessly with no care for their own safety or the safety of others,” said Gov. DeWine. “We’re giving this stretch of I-90 extra attention because many of the fatal and severe-injury crashes here could have been prevented with lower speeds and seat belts.”

ODOT has installed multiple road signs along the corridor to notify motorists about the increased law enforcement presence on I-90 

“The frequency and severity of crashes occurring in Cuyahoga County, many of which are preventable, necessitated a strategic approach to making this corridor safer,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “I’m appreciative of the collaboration to make speed reduction and seat belt usage on I-90 a priority.” 

In Ohio, all drivers and front seat passengers are required to wear a seat belt. Studies found only around 72% of drivers and passengers chose to wear a seat belt in Cuyahoga County, which is less than the national average.

“It’s not about issuing tickets, it’s about saving lives,” said Gov. DeWine. “By buckling up, you are much more likely to survive a car crash or walk away with minor injuries.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated that seat belt use can reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passengers by 45%.