Ohio’s Road Safety Push Faces New Challenges | Columbus News

Columbus News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 17, 2026 · 1m

Ohio’s road safety investment has soared — from $104 million in 2018 to $191 million by 2026 — fueled by Governor Mike DeWine’s personal tragedy and a gas tax hike. Early results looked promising, with traffic deaths dropping. But pedestrian fatalities are creeping back up, defying progress. Cities are responding with “complete streets” designs: narrower roads, better crosswalks, lighting, and bike paths. Yet new challenges persist — bigger vehicles that hide from view, and smartphone distractions that keep drivers’ eyes off the road. Safety experts stress one simple truth: slow down and put…