2026 Ohio Traffic Safety Awards

National Safety Council Celebrates Award Recipients

Four Organizations Recognized for Leadership in Workplace Driving Safety

The National Safety Council is honored to recognize these four organizations as recipients of the 2026 Ohio Employer Traffic Safety awards:

  • Michels
  • Clopay Transportation
  • Metallus
  • Champion City Drivers Ed

Together, the four workplace safety leaders have demonstrated what’s possible when safety becomes a shared value – strengthened by thoughtful policies, meaningful training and a commitment to protecting everyone on the road. They have incorporated comprehensive traffic safety programs and collectively built a culture of safety to reduce risk, protect their employees and the people living in the communities where they live and work.

“Effective traffic safety programs rely on clear expectations, consistent training and leadership commitment,” said Cody Stewart, a senior program manager and director of the Our Driving Concern program at NSC. “This year’s recipients show how those principles translate into real‑world results.”

Let’s learn why each of the four were selected to earn this prestigious recognition:

Distinguished Excellence in Traffic Safety

Michels Michels operates three Ohio locations and manages a nationwide fleet supported by a decades‑long commitment to safe operations.

  • Strengthened vehicle inspection tracking and documentation
  • Reinforced clear driving expectations across the organization
  • Bolstered leadership accountability that prioritizes safe decision‑making

Excellence in Traffic Safety

Clopay Transportation At Clopay Transportation, safety is a daily expectation – from onboarding through ongoing operations.

  • Required three‑hour safety orientation for all new drivers
  • Established monthly safety training and annual performance reviews
  • Reduced driving violations by more than 80% through accountability efforts

Distinguished Excellence in Traffic Safety by a Small Employer

Metallus At the Metallus facility in Canton, traffic safety is embedded in daily work practices.

  • Fit‑for‑duty safety checks at the start of every shift
  • Extensive training and recertification for heavy equipment operators
  • Team‑based communication supporting thousands of incident‑free loads each month

Excellence in Traffic Safety by a Small Employer

Champion City Drivers Ed Champion City Drivers Ed centers its mission on preparing safer drivers for Ohio’s roads.

  • Comprehensive instructor training
  • Strict compliance with Bureau of Motor Vehicles requirements
  • Measurable student learning goals ensuring consistent, high‑quality instruction

Best Practices

National Safety Council Program Manager Tracy LeMaire introduced each of the award recipients during a luncheon at the Ohio Traffic Safety Summit in Columbus. Take a deeper dive into what safety initiatives work for them and get ideas to ramp up your own safety programs. Download and share this best practice brochure.