The Ohio State Highway Patrol, acutely concerned with fatalities on state roadways, launched a 2007 campaign aimed at reducing traffic-related deaths statewide by 10 percent by 2011.

Sadly, that goal is in jeopardy, as drivers throughout the state are dying in motor vehicle accidents at a much higher than anticipated rate. In fact, 566 people have died on Ohio roads as of July 23, compared to 499 at the same time last year.

That spells a 12 percent increase, and it has clearly caught the attention of traffic officials across the state. Says Col. David Dicken, Highway Patrol superintendent: "Troopers are going to need to be vigilant at removing impaired drives and attempting to reduce potential crashes over the next several months if we are going to meet our goal."

That reference to heightened trooper scrutiny and activity relates directly to the fatality statistics and the State Patrol's response plan for reducing them and making Ohio roads safer. The agency is focusing on increased traffic enforcement and public education, and reminds motorists to vigilantly practice the fundamentals of safe driving: Wear seatbelts, don't drink and drive, and obey posted speed limits.

Although the upward trend in fatalities is part of a statewide pattern, there is some demonstrated variance among counties. Butler and Clermont counties, for example, report more traffic deaths this year than at the same time last year. Other counties, including Hamilton County and Warren County, cite fewer fatalities.

Lt. Wayne Price, Hamilton post commander of the Highway Patrol, sums up the agency's view regarding traffic accidents and road safety. He states that troopers will simply use available resources "to do the best we can to make the state safer for those operating motor vehicles."

Related Resource: Cincinnati.com "Road fatalities up in Ohio" July 23, 2010