OHIO — Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Pamela Boratyn announced more funding is heading toward improving road safety.

What You Need To Know

  • Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Transportation announced a $63 million investment in improving road safety
  • Funding will go toward 19 safety projects in 14 counties, including a dozen roundabouts and some cable barriers

  • Federal Highway Administration study showed that roundabouts reduce the number of crashes by 44%

ODOT’s Highway Safety Improvement Program is investing $63 million for 19 safety projects in 14 counties, including a dozen roundabouts and some cable barriers.

“We’re always looking at how we can make our transportation system safer,” said DeWine in a news release. “These projects will make improvements that will help reduce the number of crashes, making it safer for those who travel in these areas each day.” 

According to the Federal Highway Administration roundabouts reduce the number of crashes by 44% and serious injuries and deaths by 90% compared to traditional two-way stop intersections. When roundabouts replace traffic signals, the number of crashes decrease by 48% and serious injuries and fatalities by nearly 80%.

A study by the University of Dayton revealed that cable barriers on Ohio highways decrease crashes by 74% and lower fatal and injury crashes by 80%.

“Every project we do has an element of safety built in, but these projects were specifically selected and funded because we know they will save lives and reduce the chance of a serious crash,” said Director Boratyn.