When It Comes to Work Zone Safety: Ohio Gets Personal

On April 22, 2025, Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) roadway worker Andy Shively narrowly escaped death when a speeding vehicle missed him by just a few inches while he was working on I-75 in Hancock County. This incident underscores the persistent dangers that construction zones pose. In response, ODOT launched an innovative public safety campaign, conceived and produced entirely in-house under the leadership of Chief Communications Officer David Rose. Rather than relying on traditional, finger-wagging messaging, the campaign humanizes workers, depicting them as everyday parents, citizens, and relatable individuals, to foster empathy and encourage drivers to pay attention, slow down, and move over.