ODOT truck rear ended on State Route 45 in Columbiana County

 An Ohio Department of Transportation truck was struck from behind Tuesday afternoon on State Route 45 in Columbiana County, marking the 68th time an ODOT vehicle has been hit this year. No one was injured in the incident, according to a Facebook post from ODOT's Eastern Ohio District 11.

The post urged drivers to "please pay attention!"

The collision highlights a recurring safety issue for ODOT crews working on Ohio roadways.

 In 2022, ODOT reported a total of 80 incidents where their crews or vehicles were struck. One such event occurred on June 3, 2022, when an SUV collided with an ODOT mower along southbound State Route 11 in Elkrun Township, also in Columbiana County.

The driver of the SUV sustained minor injuries and was transported to a hospital. She was cited for failing to maintain an assured clear distance. The ODOT mower driver was not injured.