Safe 6 Initiative

US 6 continues to be a problem roadway throughout Wood, Henry, and Sandusky Counties in Northwest Ohio. From 2013 to 2018, there have been six fatal crashes with 319 total crashes being investigated along this deadly route. Additionally, 67% of people killed along US 6 were not wearing their seatbelt at the time of the crash. This is unacceptable.

Law enforcement, ODOT, and community partners established a collaborative in 2018 to address the issues on US 6 during the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer”, focusing their efforts from Memorial Day Weekend thru the Labor Day Holiday. This partnership focuses on education, awareness, and high visibility enforcement. In addition, a Distracted Driving Corridor was established from I-75 in Wood County east to the Erie County Line in 2019. ODOT erected signage along US 6 to raise awareness and advise motorists of strict enforcement.

As a result of their collaborative efforts, Deputies and Troopers made over 2,522 traffic stops along US 6 with 1,291 citations being issued for various violations. In addition, nine individuals were arrested for impaired driving, and officers handled 89 crashes with two resulting in a fatality.

The collaborative reminds the public to not drink and drive, and to wear their seatbelt.

For More Information:
Lt. Angel Burgos, Ohio State Highway Patrol: 419-352-2481
Sandy Wiechman, Safe Communities Coordinator: 419-372-9353 or swiechm@bgsu.edu