The Ohio Department of Transportation has launched a new campaign warning motorist that the biggest threat on the road isn’t big rigs, but their own driving habits.
The campaign was launched in Ohio this week and is designed to educate the public on the truth about crashes involving semi trucks.
“Truckers are often involved in crashes, but aren’t typically at fault,” reported WCPO, a local Ohio news station aiding in the education of local motorists.
“It’s easy to blame truckers for these accidents as a regular driver, but they typically aren’t at fault,” the reporter continued.
Cutting off trucks can cut life short. Here are a few tips on how to drive around large trucks and buses that you can share with your family, friends and colleagues. pic.twitter.com/Dd7C33zb4A
— ODOT_Statewide (@ODOT_Statewide) November 8, 2017
According to the Ohio Department of Transportation, of all fatal car-truck crashes in the state, only 10-15% were the fault of the trucker, leaving an 85-90% chance that the motorist involved was to blame.
As part of the campaign, ODOT has installed electronic signs above highways in Ohio, flashing messages at oncoming drivers such as “cutting off trucks can cut life short,” and “semi related traffic crashes this year: 8, 344.”
“When there is an unfortunate circumstance of a crash between an automobile and a tractor-trailer, the tractor-trailer is going to win nearly every time,” said Brian Cunningham, spokesperson for ODOT.
“The big issue for people driving in cars is to make sure they allow for sure and clear distance, and to be aware that they shouldn’t drive in the blind zone of a tractor trailer.”
Together, ODOT and Ohio news stations are “urging drivers to practice some patience and respect for truck drivers out on the road.”