A Dangerous Crossroad: Will Changes Be Made at Chardon-Windsor and 608?
BY NICK ROGERS
CHARDON - An unfortunate theme has developed at a Claridon Township intersection; that of recurring automobile collisions; some ending in tragedy. The time has come (and perhaps long-since passed) for updated safety measures at the location, and the Chardon Fire Department – which includes Claridon Township as part of its jurisdiction – is spearheading these changes.
At approximately 8:30am on the morning of May 7, 2025, Chardon Fire Department personnel responded to the scene of a two-car collision at the intersection of Chardon-Windsor Road and State Route 608.
Rome resident Katherine Taddeo, 66, reportedly failed to yield at the stop sign for the 55mph cross traffic on Route 608. Her 2016 Hyundai Elantra was struck on the driver’s side by a 1985 International Scout dump truck driven by Jeff Hazen, 67, owner of Hazen Contracting Inc. Mr. Hazen was pronounced dead at the scene while Ms. Taddeo suffered life-threatening injuries and was quickly taken to University Hospital’s Geauga County location.
The morning of the incident, the Chardon Fire Department made a Facebook post addressing the issue (this is the third accident at this location that they’ve posted about since April).
“Chardon Fire will be working with Claridon Twp. Trustees, ODOT [Ohio Department of Transportation], and the Geauga County Engineers [GCE]office to plan for changes at this intersection, as we try to make it safer for motorists traveling through there,” the post reads.
Responses to the post were mixed between a general consensus of the intersection being an unsafe one and a few Facebook users who believe it simply comes down to careless driving.
One user, Charlie Zawislak, suggested the intersection should become a four-way stop.
“Just like 86 and 166, which is a dangerous intersection because of the hill. It sucks for big trucks to come all the way to a stop, but for the aggravation of 20 seconds added to your drive, no more accidents there,” the post reads.
A particularly harrowing post came from user Linda Smallwood.
“We came upon a fatal there shortly after it happened. My wife had to hold the young child as his mother lay dead in the road. Nobody had seat belts on. The mother was the only fatality…I think of that scene every time I go through there,” the post reads.
User John Blauch posted, “Chardon and neighboring departments did a great job under tough circumstances. Remember, this is a STATE route and the fire department has little to do with decisions implemented at that level.”
To Mr. Blauch’s point, It is all the more admirable that Chief Geiss and his team are taking the initiative to push those in decision making positions to change something before another tragedy takes place there.
Claridon Township Trustee Jonathan Tiber promptly responded to email inquiry regarding the incident.
“I believe ODOT is close to concluding their long-term study of that intersection,” he said. Additionally, Mr. Tiber directed this author to the office of Isaac Hunt of ODOT District 12; an ODOT district, he says, which has always been “Johnny on the spot” when it comes to fixing all road-related problems in the Township.
Amanda McFarland, Northeast Ohio Public Information Officer, Division of Communications and External Affairs with ODOT, confirmed Mr. Tiber’s statement, providing The Ohio Register with the following:
“ODOT is currently studying the intersection of SR 608 and Chardon Windsor Rd. for potential safety improvements. Once we review crash data, that will help us determine what safety improvements might be most beneficial. This could include a roundabout, four way stop, or traffic signal. Final decisions cannot be made until the study is complete and crash data is reviewed. We expect the study to be completed this summer.”
Here's to hoping that timeline holds true.
Katie Taylor, Administrator for the GCE, offered this statement on behalf of the agency:
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic crash that occurred at the intersection of State Route 608 and Chardon-Windsor Road earlier this month, which cost the life of Mr. Jeff Hazen. The Geauga County Engineer’s Office extends its heartfelt condolences to Mr. Hazen’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. Every life lost on our roads is one too many, and our hearts go out to all affected by this terrible accident.”
Illustrating the same above point as Mr. Blauch, she said, “It is important to clarify that the intersection in question involves a state highway. State Route 608 is part of the state highway system and, by law, falls under the jurisdiction of the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) for maintenance and traffic safety measures. While the Geauga County Engineer’s Office is responsible for county roads, any major changes or traffic control devices on a state route like 608 must be initiated or approved by ODOT in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code. That said, our Office takes public safety extremely seriously and we are absolutely committed to assisting ODOT in addressing the safety concerns at this location in any way we can.”
Ms. Taylor confirmed the ongoing relationship between the above-mentioned parties, saying, “We have been in communication with ODOT District 12 (which covers Geauga County). We fully support the efforts already underway to evaluate this intersection’s safety. We have also communicated with the Chardon Fire Department, which responded to the crash. The Geauga County Engineer’s Office stands ready to advise and support ODOT’s engineers in this effort – whether that means providing data, participating in traffic studies, or facilitating discussions with local officials.”
She concluded by saying, “Above all, we want the public to know that we share the urgency in responding to this crash. We mourn the loss of a community member and will continue to push forward in partnership with ODOT to implement any necessary measures to help prevent future crashes. Our Office will do everything possible within the purview of the Ohio Revised Code to support ODOT. We will remain transparent and responsive to the public’s concerns as we move through the process of evaluating and enhancing the safety of the intersection at State Route 608 and Chardon Windsor Road.”
The accident has received especially close attention as Mr. Hazen is a bit of a local celebrity in Chardon. His company’s signs can regularly be seen in front yards around town as Hazen’s asphalt laying and other services are constantly utilized.
Mr. Hazen, survived by a large, loving family, was cremated at Burr Funeral Home and, in lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations be made to Chester Christian Center Kingdom Builders “in honor of his legacy of faith and service…”
