Ohio Turnpike: 2011 Safest Full Year in History

The Ohio Turnpike says six traffic fatalities last year made it the safest full year in the toll road’s history.

The safety mark came as the 241-mile turnpike raised the speed limit to 70 mph last year. The traffic death toll was seven in 2010.

Last year’s traffic deaths matched the six fatalities in the turnpike’s debut year of 1955. That year the turnpike was partially opened for nine months, and its full length opened in October.

More than 49 million vehicles used the turnpike last year.

Turnpike patrol commander Capt. Chris Zurcher says troopers can help, but safety depends on motorists. He says they need to pay attention, obey the speed limit and avoid driving while fatigued.