Labor Day or Race Day? Air Enforcement Nets About 28 Speed Citations on I-71
ASHLAND COUNTY, OHIO — Apparently, several motorists traveling through Ashland County on Labor Day morning confused Interstate 71 with a motorsports speedway.
The Ashland Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office joined forces with the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Aviation Section for an aerial speed-enforcement operation.
According to preliminary information, troopers and deputies issued approximately 28 speeding citations in nearly one hour, an average of roughly one citation every two minutes.
Enforcement statistics
Approximately 28 speeding citations
Nearly one hour of enforcement
Lowest cited speed: About 85 mph
Highest cited speed: About 97 mph
Average pace: Roughly one citation every two minutes
Speeds reportedly ranged from 85 to 97 mph. At that pace, NASCAR drivers might have been impressed, and Marco Andretti could have found some unexpected competition on I-71.
Unfortunately for the drivers involved, there were no checkered flags, trophies or victory-lane interviews waiting at the finish line. Instead, the morning ended with flashing lights, traffic citations and, for some motorists, the possibility of appearing before Ashland Municipal Court Judge John L. Good.
Drivers accused of traveling more than 20 mph above the posted speed limit are required to appear in court, depending on the charge and instructions printed on the citation. Anyone hoping Judge Good will accept “I thought it was qualifying day” as an excuse probably should begin working on a better explanation.
While the racing comparisons may bring a smile, the reason for the operation is serious. The heavily traveled stretch of I-71 through Ashland County has been the scene of numerous crashes, and excessive speed reduces reaction time while increasing both the likelihood and severity of collisions.
Labor Day may mark the unofficial end of summer, but law enforcement’s message was unmistakable: I-71 is an interstate, not a racetrack, and the only place motorists should be trying to break records is at an actual speedway.
