Clearer Weather Fuels Speeding on I‑71 as Troopers Crack Down With the Help of the “Bear in the Air”
With temperatures on the rise and roads clear today, motorists on I‑71 seized the opportunity to push their speed limits—often reaching speeds in excess of 90 mph. Troopers from the Ashland Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, alongside the Ohio State Highway Patrol Aviation Unit, were strategically deployed at the US Route 250 exit to monitor and intercept speeding vehicles.
As I sit there getting photo’s, the moment one speeding vehicle was ticketed, radio updates quickly identified the next offender, the clear skies seem to be giving some drivers the confidence to push their limits, with the high accident rate on I-71 in Ashland County, increased enforcement is both warranted and necessary.
Meanwhile, the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Aviation Section remains a vital part of these operations. Comprising 11 uniformed flight crew members, three helicopters, and 13 airplanes, this unit supports an array of missions—from traffic enforcement and search assistance to aerial photography, evidence relays. Patrol pilots, in particular, are crucial in reducing traffic fatalities; by performing precise speed measurements over set distances, they are able to identify and document dangerous or aggressive driving behaviors.
Authorities are urging drivers to observe posted speed limits and exercise caution on these busy highways, especially as the improving weather brings more traffic. Speed enforcement in Ashland County shows no signs of slowing down, with safety as the top priority, enhanced speed enforcement in Ashland County is set to continue.
