Akron, OH – The Summit County Sheriff’s Office has secured more than $350,000 in federal and state grants aimed at improving road safety, enhancing driver education, and reducing impaired driving incidents throughout the county.
According to the Ohio Traffic Safety Office, the $352,968.32 in funding will promote safe driving education and strengthen enforcement across Summit County roadways. The initiative is supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation and administered through the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) and the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP).
“Summit County is one of the busiest crossroads in our state, and these funds are crucial to helping us keep motorists safe,” said Sheriff Kandy Fatheree. “The ultimate goal is to save lives and reduce injuries.”
The funding will support three key initiatives:
- OVI Task Force – $187,500: A countywide partnership targeting impaired driving through checkpoints and traffic enforcement.
- Impaired Driving Enforcement Program (IDEP/STEP) – $71,968: Focused on reducing traffic-related fatalities through high-visibility patrols.
- Summit Safe Communities – $93,500: A public education program emphasizing seatbelt safety, distracted driving awareness, and motorcycle safety.
Officials say these programs will run through the upcoming year, with increased patrols and safety messaging expected during high-traffic periods and holidays.
