Highland County, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Transportation is moving forward with a plan to improve safety at intersections across the state by converting certain two-way stops into all-way stops. The decision follows research and results from other states where similar changes led to a sharp drop in serious crashes and fatalities.
Officials say the effort is based on proven data. Since 2018, North Carolina has converted more than 500 intersections to all-way stops. A detailed review of 348 of those locations showed a 100% reduction in fatal crashes and a 95% reduction in serious injury crashes. Delaware has also reported similar improvements after making comparable changes. With these outcomes in mind, Ohio is now taking steps to apply the same approach at key locations.
Selected intersections targeted for safety improvements
Across Ohio, 77 intersections have been identified for conversion based on crash history and traffic patterns. These locations were chosen because the most common type of crash involved drivers failing to stop or failing to yield to traffic that did not have a stop sign. By requiring all directions of traffic to stop, officials hope to reduce confusion and prevent these types of collisions.
One of the first locations scheduled for change is the intersection of State Route 73 and Prospect Road. Work is set to begin during the week of April 27, 2026. At present, only traffic traveling along Prospect Road is required to stop before entering or crossing State Route 73. This setup has contributed to a pattern of crashes at the intersection.
A safety study conducted in 2025 examined the intersection’s crash history and found 15 total crashes between 2020 and 2025. All of these incidents were angle crashes, which often occur when one driver fails to yield at a crossing. Based on these findings, ODOT determined that converting the intersection to an all-way stop would help reduce risk and improve safety for motorists.
To prepare drivers for the change, new signage will be installed along both State Route 73 and Prospect Road. These signs will alert motorists in advance, helping them adjust to the new traffic pattern and reduce confusion during the transition period.
ODOT officials say the changes will not end with installation. The department plans to closely monitor the updated intersection to ensure it is functioning as intended and delivering the expected safety benefits.
By expanding the use of all-way stops at high-risk intersections, Ohio aims to reduce crashes, prevent injuries, and create safer conditions for drivers across the state.
