Safe Communities Grant

Safe Communities Coalition Supports "Over the Limit, Under Arrest" DUI Crackdown (2 stories follow)
August 7, 2008 — Drunk driving is one of America’s deadliest crimes. In 2007, more than 13,000 people died in highway crashes involving a driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. The picture for motorcycle riders is particularly bleak. Forty-one percent of the 2,000 motorcycle riders who died in single-vehicle crashes in 2007 had BAC levels of .08 or higher.
That is why the Richland County Safe Communities Coalition is joining with thousands of other law enforcement and highway safety agencies across the nation from August 15 throughout the Labor Day holiday to take part in the Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. crackdown on impaired driving.
“Our message is simple. No matter what you drive—a passenger car, pickup, sport utility vehicle or motorcycle—if we catch you driving impaired, we will arrest you. No exceptions. No excuses,” said Lt. Mike Vinson, Mansfield Post Commander of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. “We will be out in force to get more drunk drivers off the road—and save lives that might otherwise be lost.
“Driving with a BAC of .08 or higher is illegal in every state. Yet we continue to see far too many people suffer debilitating injuries and loss of their loved ones as a result of impaired driving. This careless disregard for human life must stop. To help ensure that happens, the Ohio State Highway Patrol and all of Richland County’s law enforcement agencies are dedicated to arresting impaired drivers wherever and whenever we find them,” said Vinson.
“Drunk driving is simply not worth the risk. Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for impaired driving can be significant,” said Vinson. “Violators often face jail time, the loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates, attorney fees, time away from work, and dozens of other expenses. So don’t take the chance. Remember, if you are over the limit, you are under arrest.”
The national Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. impaired driving crackdown is a prevention program organized by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that focuses on combining high-visibility enforcement with heightened public awareness through advertising and publicity.
This year’s effort is supported by $11 million in paid-national advertising to help put everyone on notice that if they are caught driving impaired, they will be arrested. For more information, visit www.stopimpaireddriving.org.
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Motorcycle Operators Reminded to Ride Smart and Sober
Mansfield, Ohio – Over the past several years, the number of motorcyclists killed on our nation’s highways has increased. Some of these fatalities can be attributed to drinking and riding. Statistics show that the percentage of legally intoxicated motorcycle riders in fatal crashes is greater than the percentage of legally intoxicated drivers of passenger cars, SUV’s or pick-up trucks. That’s why the Richland County Safe Communities Coalition is urging all motorcycle riders to always ride smart and sober.
“Most people fail to realize the extreme danger of riding a motorcycle while impaired,” said Reed Richmond, health educator at the Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department and a Safe Communities partner. “It takes more balance and coordination to operate a motorcycle than it does to drive a car.”
It is against the law in every state to operate any type of motor vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level of .08 or higher. Still, about 1,500 motorcycle riders killed in traffic crashes each year are over the legal limit. According to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), twenty-seven percent all motorcycle operators killed in traffic crashes in 2006 had BAC levels of .08 or higher. In 2006, an additional 7 percent of motorcycle operators, who had lower alcohol levels of BAC .01 to .07 also died in traffic crashes.
“We continue to see far too many people die or suffer debilitating injuries as a result of impaired riding, particularly among middle aged riders and baby boomers,” said Richmond. “People do things they regret when they’re drunk; riding a motorcycle should never be one of them.”
Of all age groups, motorcycle operators between 30 and 49 years old have the highest rates of alcohol involvement in fatal crashes. For more information about motorcycle safety, please visit www.nhtsa.gov.

Safe Communities Program Releases Richland County Traffic Fatalities Update: Two for July, 2008
August 4, 2008 —The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition reports that for the month of June there were two traffic deaths in Richland County.
There have been 12 county traffic fatalities for 2008 through seven months, five of which occurred in a single vehicle crash. This compares with seven traffic fatalities in 2007, five traffic fatalities in 2006, two traffic fatalities in 2005 and nine traffic fatalities in 2004 through the first seven months of the those years.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration*, each fatality has a comprehensive cost of $3,336,388 associated with it. The 12 fatalities this year have cost Richland County a total of $40,036,656.
The Safe Communities Coalition will sponsor a “Safety Day” at the Richland County Fair on Tuesday, August 5. They will be set up in the large tent located by the big red barn. Representatives from the Coalition will be there with traffic safety displays and to answer questions about traffic safety.
Highlight of the tent will be a “Mocktail Testing.” Several alcohol-free drink mixes will be available for sampling from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. They represent examples of party drinks that can be made safe and fun. This is part of the “Over the Limit. Under Arrest” promotion for impaired driving awareness.
The “Safe Communities” program was developed through the Ohio Department of Public Safety to establish and/or expand community partnerships to create safer, healthier communities throughout Ohio.

*Source: The Economic Impact of Motor Vehicle Crashes 2002, NHTSA, DOT HS 809 446

Don't Leave Children Alone in a Vehicle
July 22, 2008 — Already in 2008 (through July 18) there have been at least eighteen deaths of infants and children after being left inside a hot vehicle. Last year there were a total of at least thirty-five such fatalities in the United States due to hyperthermia after they were left in hot cars, trucks, vans and SUV’s.
Since 1998 there have been at least a total of 364 of these needless tragedies. Studies shows that these incidents can occur on days with relatively mild (i.e., 70 degrees F) temperatures and vehicles can occur reach life-threatening temperatures very rapidly. Within 10 minutes, the inside temperature of a vehicle will be almost 20 degrees hotter than the outside temperature. 20 minutes later, those inside temperatures will have soared to 34 degrees hotter.
“Leaving a child in a vehicle for a ‘quick’ errand is a huge mistakes,” says Lisa Schwing at the Regional Pediatric Trauma and Emergency Center at Dayton Children’s Hospital. “A delay of just a few minutes on a warm day can lead to tragedy.”
Heat is much more dangerous to children than it is to adults. When left in a hot vehicle, a young child’s core body temperature may increase three to five times faster than that of an adult’s. This could cause permanent injury or death.

Parents and caregivers are reminded:

Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, even for one minute or with the window slightly open.
Always lock an empty vehicle’s doors and trunk, even at home, so children can’t get trapped inside.
Check to ensure that all children leave the vehicle when you reach your destination. Don’t overlook sleeping infants.
Place something you’ll need at the next stop on the floor of the backseat where a child is sitting. This simple act can prevent you from accidentally forgetting a child.
Be especially careful if you are dropping off infants or children at child care and this is not part of your normal routine.

*Original Story from Safety Clips (The Children’s Medical Center of Dayton)

Safe Communities Program Releases Richland County Traffic Fatalities Update: None for June, 2008
July 4, 2008 —The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition reports that for the month of June there were no traffic deaths in Richland County.

There have been ten (10) total traffic-related deaths this year in Richland County. This compares with two traffic fatalities in June of 2006 and 2007 and four total fatalities through the first six months of those years. There was one traffic death through the first six months of 2005 and seven through June of 2004.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration*, each fatality has a comprehensive cost of $3,336,388 associated with it. The 10 fatalities this year cost Richland County $33,336,388.

The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition is reminding everyone that “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving” and to never drive a vehicle after consuming alcohol. With the Fourth of July Weekend and summer festivities, this message is more important than ever.

“During the summer months traffic increases in the evenings and weekends as people are driving to outdoor activities,” said Reed Richmond, Health Educator at the Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department, a Safe Communities partner. “ We can increase our summer safety, and the safety of others, by always remembering to use our seat belts and never driving after drinking alcohol.”

The “Safe Communities” program was developed through the Ohio Department of Public Safety to establish and/or expand community partnerships to create safer, healthier communities throughout Ohio.

Safe Communities Program Releases Richland County Traffic Fatalities Update: None for May, 2008
June 4, 2008 —The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition reports that for the month of May there were no traffic deaths in Richland County. There was one traffic fatality in Richland County in May of 2007.

There have been ten (10) total traffic-related deaths this year in Richland County. This compares with two traffic fatalities during the first five months of 2007 and 2006. There were no traffic deaths through the first five months of 2005 but seven through May of 2004.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration*, each fatality has a comprehensive cost of $3,336,388 associated with it. The 10 fatalities this year cost Richland County $33,336,388.

Although the 2008 “Click or Ticket” Mobilization has ended, the Richland County Safe Communities Coalition is reminding everyone to always use your vehicle’s safety belts and make sure everyone is buckled up.

“During the summer months people will be driving to outdoor activities,” said Reed Richmond, Health Educator at the Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department, a Safe Communities partner. “Due to rising gas prices, we need to be alert for increased motorcycle, moped and bicycle traffic. That another reason why motorists must focus on the driving task and avoid distractions both inside and outside the vehicle.”
The “Safe Communities” program was developed through the Ohio Department of Public Safety to establish and/or expand community partnerships to create safer, healthier communities throughout Ohio.

Pioneer Students Deliver Safety Message in "What's Holding You Back?" Seat Belt Use Demonstrations
Posted June 3, 2008 — Nearly 20 percent of Ohioans still do not wear their seat belt. In an effort to encourage teens to buckle-up, one of the largest demographics who don't wear safety belts, the Richland County Safe Communities Coalition let the students be the teachers.
Each year, the coalition holds a demonstration about seat belt safety.
Instead of having adults talk to high school students about the subject, students from Pioneer Career and Technology Center in Shelby put on seat belt safety demonstrations.
Coalition members hoped the message would have a larger impact if it came from their peers.
Five groups performed a wide variety of demonstrations. The top winners took home tickets to Cedar Point and other winners received gas cards and gift certificates. Click here for a PDF with pictures of the event.

“Click It or Ticket” Enforcement To Help Save Lives
Enforcement Blitz Buckling Down on Those Not Buckled Up – Day and Night.
Posted May 14, 2008 – In 2007, there were 482 fatalities on Ohio’s roads where motorists or passengers were unbelted, an increase from 457 unbelted fatalities in 2006. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 15,046 passenger vehicle occupants died in traffic crashes in 2006 between the nighttime hours of 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. – and 64 percent of those passenger vehicle occupants killed were NOT wearing their seat belts at the time of the fatal crashes.
The proportion of unbuckled deaths at night is considerably higher than the alarming 46 percent of passenger vehicle occupants who were killed and were not wearing their seats belts during daytime hours across the nation that same year.
That’s why the Richland County Safe Communities Coalition announced today that it is joining with state and local law enforcement agencies and highway safety officials May 19 to June 1 to launch an aggressive national Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement mobilization to increase seat belt use and reduce highway fatalities – with a new emphasis this year on convincing more motorists to buckle up – day and night. The national seat belt enforcement campaign runs the same time as Ohio’s “What’s Holding You Back?” seat belt use awareness and education campaign.
“Research shows us that there is a problem with drivers and passengers not buckling up at night – when the risk of a fatal crash is greatest,” Lt. Mike Vinson, post commander of the Mansfield Branch of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said. “Clearly this is an indication that these individuals are not taking the law seriously. That’s why law enforcement agencies throughout Richland County be out in force making sure that all passengers, in all vehicles, are buckled up – day and night.”
Regular seat belt use is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. In 2006, 72 percent of passenger vehicle occupants involved in a fatal crash who were buckled up survived the crashes, and that when worn correctly, seat belts have proven to reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passenger car occupants by 45 percent – and by 60 percent in pickup trucks, SUVs, and minivans.
Yet nearly one in five Americans (18% nationally) still fail to regularly wear their seat belts when driving or riding in motor vehicles, according to NHTSA’s observational seat belt studies.
Stepped-up law enforcement activities will be conducted during the national Click It or Ticket enforcement mobilization. The mobilization is being supported by a projected $7.5 million in paid national advertising and additional state advertising to encourage all motorists, but especially motorists at night, to always buckle up.
“Seat belts clearly save lives. But unfortunately, too many folks still need a tough reminder, so we are going to be out in force buckling down on those who are not buckled up,” said Lt. Vinson. “Wearing your seat belt costs you nothing, but not wearing it certainly will. So unless you want to risk a ticket, or worse – your life — please remember to buckle up day and night – Click It or Ticket.”
For more information, please visit www.nhtsa.gov.

ENHANCED SEAT BELT ENFORCEMENT
"What's Holding You Back?" May 19 - June 1
Posted May 8, 2008 — Since 2002, the Ohio Department of Public Safety has been working with law enforcement agencies and area Safe Communities groups to increase the number of vehicle occupants wearing seat belts.
Locally, the Richland County Safe Communities Coalition has been participating in annual kickoff events to bring attention to the safety issue while police have been engaged in crackdowns on offenders, including those who fail to have children in proper child car seats. The enhanced enforcement and awareness period this year is from May 19 to June 1.
We need to keep focused on the goal of reducing deaths and injuries on Ohio's roadways each and every day. Wearing your seat belt is the single best thing you can do to protect yourself and your vehicle’s occupants in the event of a crash.

The following is a quick glimpse of Ohio Motor Vehicle Crash Data from 2007:

Approximately 3.2 fatal crashes each day
Approximately 3.4 persons were killed each day
One person was killed every 7.0 hours
There were 318.5 persons injured every day
One person was injured every 4.5 minutes
Motor vehicle crashes killed 39 children and injured 9,156 children through age 14
Total of 1,162 fatal crashes
Total of 79,586 injury crashes
Total crashes were 328,257
Total deaths were 1,256
2007 Seat Belt Usage Rate was 81.6%

Although seat belt use rates in Richland County have gone from as low as 62% in 2003 to nearly 80% last year, that still means that one out of every five vehicle drivers in not belted.
As you can see from the figures we've got a very long way to go. Traffic safety is a complex problem and we need to constantly focus our energies and resources toward reducing crashes and the resulting injuries and deaths. That challenge continues to grow each year. The Ohio Department of Transportation reports that more than 112 billion vehicle miles of travel took place in the state in 2007 among 7,955,998 licensed drivers.
One death, one injury, one crash is one too many. The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition and its law enforcement partners are working together to keep the seat belt message in the forefront of our traffic safety reminders.

Wear your seat belt every time, every trip and make sure everyone in your vehicle is properly restrained. What’s holding you back?

Safe Communities Program Releases Richland County Traffic Fatalities Update: One for April, 2008
May 5, 2008 —The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition reports that for the month of April there was one traffic death in Richland County.
There were no traffic-related deaths in April in 2007 but two traffic deaths in April of 2006.
There have been a total of 10 traffic-related deaths in Richland County this year. There was one traffic death in 2007 through the first four months and two in the first four months of 2006.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration*, each fatality has a comprehensive cost of $3,336,388 associated with it. The 10 fatalities this year cost Richland County $33,336,388.
May 12 through June 1 is the National Enforcement Mobilization for “Click It or Ticket” seat belt enforcement. During this period local law enforcement agencies will be on the lookout for seat belt violators as part of Ohio’s “What’s Holding You Back?” program. Seat belts save lives. Wear yours every trip, every time.
The “Safe Communities” program was developed through the Ohio Department of Public Safety to establish and/or expand community partnerships to create safer, healthier communities throughout Ohio.

In recognition of “Motorcycle Awareness,” the Richland County Safe Communities Coalition has joined with Renegade Classics in sponsoring a ride on April 26. Bikers will gather at Renegade Classics in the Appleseed Center (1438 Lexington Avenue in Mansfield) for a “Blessing of the Bikes” from 10 a.m. to Noon. Renegade Classics owner Eric Holmes will then lead an open ride through Richland County that will end at approximately 3 p.m. at the Ohio State Highway Patrol Post at Hanley Road and State Route 13. The riders will enjoy refreshments provided by Richland County Safe Communities Coalition members. For additional details, contact Renegade Classics at 419-756-BIKE
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Safe Communities Program Releases Richland County Traffic Fatalities Update: Five for March, 2008
April 2, 2008 —The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition reports that for the month of March there were five traffic deaths in Richland County, all of which occurred in one crash.
There were no traffic-related deaths in March in 2005, 2006 or 2007.
There have been a total of nine (9) traffic-related deaths in Richland County this year. There was one traffic death in 2007 through the first three months and none in the first three months of 2006 and 2005.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, each fatality has a comprehensive cost of $3,336,388 associated with it. The nine fatalities this year have cost Richland County 30,027,492.00.
Last year there were five traffic fatalities in Richland County involving motorcycle operators. The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition reminds drivers that April 21 through May 2 is “Motorcycle Awareness” in Ohio. With warmer weather, vehicle drivers need to be aware of increased motorcycle usage and make it a habit to be extra cautious when turning through intersections.
The “Safe Communities” program was developed through the Ohio Department of Public Safety to establish and/or expand community partnerships to create safer, healthier communities throughout Ohio.

Impaired driving is one of America’s deadliest problems. In 2006, 42,642 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes. Out of that number 13,470 people were killed in traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcyclist with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.
“Driving impaired or riding with someone who is impaired is simply not worth the risk,” said Chief Smith. “Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving while impaired can be really significant.”
Don’t depend on dumb luck this St. Patrick’s Day. Designate your sober driver before the party begins. For more information, please visit www.StopImpairedDriving.org.

Safe Communities Program Releases Richland County Traffic Fatalities Update: Two for February, 2008
March 5, 2008 —The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition reports that for the month of February there were two traffic death in Richland County.
There were no traffic-related deaths in February of 2005, 2006, or 2007.
There have been a total of four traffic-related fatalities in 2008. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, each fatality has a comprehensive cost of $3,336,388 associated with it.
Although most drivers think about winter driving safety during December and January, icy driving conditions can exist into April. The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition has a list of Safe Winter Driving Tips (see below).
With St. Patrick's Day celebrations on March 17 comes the temptation to over imbibe. Remember, buzzed driving is drunk driving. Designate a sober driver before the festivities begin and don't drink and drive.
The “Safe Communities” program was developed through the Ohio Department of Public Safety to establish and/or expand community partnerships to create safer, healthier communities throughout Ohio.

Safe Communities Program Releases Richland County Traffic Fatalities Update: Two for January, 2008
February 4, 2008 —The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition reports that for the month of January there were two traffic deaths in Richland County.
There was one traffic death in January of 2007 although there were no traffic fatalities in Richland County in January of 2005 or 2006.
There were a total of 14 traffic-related fatalities in 2007. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, each fatality has a comprehensive cost of $3,336,388 associated with it.
Although most drivers think about winter driving safety during December and January, icy driving conditions can exist into April. The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition has a list of Safe Winter Driving Tips (see below).
The “Safe Communities” program was developed through the Ohio Department of Public Safety to establish and/or expand community partnerships to create safer, healthier communities throughout Ohio.

If you are attending a Super Bowl party or watching at a sports bar or restaurant:

If you are hosting a Football Bowl party:
• Serve lots of food – particularly high-protein dishes – and be sure to include lots of non-alcoholic beverages.
• Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter of the game – and begin serving coffee and dessert.
• Be sure all of your guests designate their drivers in advance, or help arrange ride-sharing with sober drivers.
• Keep the numbers for local cab companies handy, and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving while impaired.

Key messages for National Teen Driver Safety Week 2007
• Parents are key to teens' success in learning to drive safely.
    Make driving part of everyday conversation. Parents must understand the needs and challenges their teens face when it comes to driving; young drivers can learn from the wisdom and experience of their driving “coaches.”
      Invest the time. Parents need to be sure their kids have enough experience to be safe drivers. Share the teaching responsibilities with an instructor or another trusted adult if schedules are tight or if lessons become tense.
• Teens don't have the time for distractions. Literally.
      Take driving seriously and pay attention to the road. In a potential crash situation, the driver has only 3 seconds to scan for and identify the hazard, decide on a response, and act out that response. Distractions from driving cut into these precious seconds.
      Cell phones are only part of the problem: Passengers, heightened emotions, and fatigue can distract even the most experienced drivers from the road. For young drivers, these distractions are especially deadly.

These "basics" cause young drivers the most problems:
1) Speed: going too fast for road conditions or over the speed limit
2) Not leaving enough following distance from the vehicle in front
3) Focusing one’s vision directly on the car in front and not further ahead, or to surroundings and to the sides.

Archived Safe Communities News Releases, 2001-2006

HEALTH PROMOTION/EDUCATION
County Wellness Program	Safe Communities (Traffic Safety)	Child Car Seat Program	AARP Driving Safety Classes