“As Yoda says: ‘There is no try. There’s only do.’ So put down your phone.”
That’s just one of the standout moments in this Global Road Safety Week conversation with Michelle May, Ohio DOT’s longtime Safety Program Manager—and with a well-earned reputation as the state’s “First Lady of Safety.”
In this engaging interview, Michelle reflects on more than two decades leading Ohio’s statewide safety program. What began as a new assignment from a trusted mentor turned into a lifelong mission: helping communities, agencies, and individuals make smarter, safer decisions on the road.
Since stepping into the role, she’s helped grow the program from $86 million to $186 million annually—one of the largest DOT-led safety programs in the country. But what matters most, she says, isn’t just how much you spend—it’s how you spend it.
Michelle shares how Ohio has moved toward a proactive, risk-based model: using data to identify where serious crashes are most likely to happen and making improvements before tragedy strikes. From roundabouts to rumble strips, from better pavement markings to safer pedestrian crossings, it’s all about proven countermeasures that make safety visible and effective.
And the message doesn’t stop with design. Michelle emphasizes that communication is just as critical: “Your strategy is only as good as your ability to communicate it.” Whether it’s engineers, community members, or local officials, she believes people are more likely to act when they understand the why.
The conversation also touches on personal responsibility and behavior change. Michelle discusses how driver feedback tools and mobile apps have helped her become a more mindful driver—and how seemingly small decisions, like slowing down or staying off your phone, can make a big difference.
Her bottom line: Everyone can be a Highway Hero. It’s not about your job title—it’s about your mindset.
Watch the full interview with Michelle May and hear how leadership, design, and everyday choices are shaping a safer future.