Ohio law enforcement agencies took part in high-visibility traffic patrols targeting commercial vehicle violations on four major interstates in August and September in an effort to curb crashes.
The CMV blitz took place starting at midnight on August 18 and continued through 11:59 p.m. on September 13 along I-70, I-71, I-75, and I-80 in Ohio.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) and inspectors conducted 2,014 inspections throughout the initiative and issued 1,108 citations for violations including faulty brake systems, damaged tires with missing or snapped lug nuts, and load securement issues.
Police say that during the enforcement effort, “there were decreases in commercial vehicle-related crashes along each interstate, with reductions of up to 81% compared to 2023.”
See below for specifics from OSHP on the number of CMV enforcements and the reduction in CMV crashes:
- Compared to similar time periods in 2023, OSHP CMV enforcements were up 191% and OSHP CMV inspections were up +341%, which led to a 63% reduction in CMV crashes on these interstates.
- On Interstate 70 (9/1-9/7), the number of CMV crashes fell 81%, from 16 in 2023 to 3 in 2024. OSHP enforcements were up 154% and OSHP inspections increased 216% from the previous year.
- On Interstate 71 (9/8-9/14), the number of CMV crashes fell 76%, from 17 in 2023 to 4 in 2024. OSHP enforcements were up 262% and OSHP inspections increased 368% from the previous year.
- On Interstate 75 (8/18-8/24), the number of CMV crashes fell 44%, from 16 in 2023 to 9 in 2024. OSHP enforcements were up 298% and OSHP inspections increased 1,430% from the previous year.
- On Interstate 80 (8/25-8/31), the number of CMV crashes fell 47%, from 15 in 2023 to 8 in 2024. OSHP enforcements were up 130% and OSHP inspections increased 189% from the previous year.
The enforcement effort was conducted as part of a partnership between the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Licensing and Commercial Standards Section and the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO).
“Through our combined efforts with PUCO, we are committed to making our roadways safer for all motorists,” said Captain Aaron J. Reimer, Licensing & Commercial Standards Section Commander. “By focusing on commercial motor vehicle safety, we not only work to reduce crashes and save lives but also ensure that commerce can flow safely and efficiently through our state.”