July 6, 2026
From the Ohio Department of Public Safety
Columbus, Ohio — The Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO), a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, today announced the release of a new public service announcement featuring NASCAR Cup Series driver Ross Chastain, calling on Ohioans to slow down and make safe driving a priority. The PSA launches to coincide with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) nationwide campaign, Speeding Catches Up with You, which urges drivers to recognize speeding as dangerous and an aggressive driving behavior that puts everyone on the road at risk.
The campaign comes at a critical time. Speeding continues to contribute to deadly crashes in Ohio and across the country. In 2025, 310 people were killed in speed-related crashes in Ohio, representing about 1 in 4 of statewide traffic fatalities. Over the last five years, 62% of drivers at-fault in Ohio’s speed-related crashes were male. Young drivers remain particularly vulnerable, with one-third of speed-related crashes during this time period caused by drivers aged 15-24.
“We take speeding seriously because the consequences can be deadly,” said OTSO Director Emily Davidson. “The faster your speed, the longer it takes to react and stop – and the results of a crash can be far more serious. We’re urging drivers to protect themselves and others by making the safest choice – slowing down.”
In OTSO’s new video spot, Chastain emphasizes that high speeds belong on the racetrack, and that responsible driving is required on everyday roads. Standing on a calm Ohio neighborhood street, he opens with: “Sometimes I drive over 200 miles per hour, but out here, control is how you win.” Chastain demonstrates safe driving at the 25-mph speed limit and concludes with “If I can do it, you can too. Slow down, Ohio.”
Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react to hazards, judge distance, and maintain control. Local neighborhoods, school zones, and secondary roads are especially vulnerable to high-speed crashes.
The national Speeding Catches Up with You campaign aims to shift social norms by highlighting the real risks of speeding and encouraging drivers to adopt safer driving behaviors. More information can be found at NHTSA.gov/StopSpeeding.
