WQIO Ohio's Super Station
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is sounding the alarm after a troubling increase in crashes involving roadside workers this year.
As of June, ODOT has reported 68 work zone crashes in 2025 — a figure officials describe as both “alarming and entirely preventable.” One of the most recent incidents occurred in Columbiana County, where a worker was struck while following a mower along State Route 45.
“These aren’t just employees — they’re moms and dads, sons and daughters,” said ODOT spokesperson Matt Bruning. “They’re doing critical work to keep our roads safe and they deserve to make it home at the end of the day.”
Bruning says the increase in crashes highlights a growing disregard for safety protocols in construction zones, putting both workers and drivers at risk.
ODOT is urging motorists to:
- Stay focused behind the wheel
- Slow down when entering work zones
- Move over when possible to give crews extra space
The department says these three simple actions can help prevent injuries and save lives.
For more information on Ohio’s “Move Over” law and work zone safety, visit transportation.ohio.gov.