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| NEWS RELEASES |
Safe Communities Urges Motorists to Drive Responsibly this St. Patrick’s DayDesignate a Sober Driver Before the Party Begins Mansfield, OH — The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition is urging the public to help keep the streets safe this St. Patrick’s Day by drinking responsibly and designating a sober driver before heading to the local parade or pub. Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that over the past six years, 985 people have lost their lives in motor vehicles crashes during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday. Out of that number, 377 were killed in crashes that involved a drunk driver or motorcycle rider (operator) with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. “St. Patrick’s Day is supposed to be a time to celebrate Irish heritage and gather with friends, but it can quickly end in tragedy due to impaired driving,” said Safe Communities spokesperson Reed Richmond. “If you plan on drinking, don’t rely on luck to keep you safe or to keep you out of trouble. Be responsible and take appropriate precautions.” Richland County Safe Communities recommends the following tips: • Plan a safe way home before your celebrations begin; • If you plan to get a ride home with someone else, designate a sober driver before any drinking begins; • If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely; • If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement; • And remember, if you know someone who is about to drive or ride their motorcycle while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely. “Driving impaired or riding with someone who is impaired is an extremely risky thing to do,” Richmond said. “If you plan on using alcohol, plan ahead and look out for your friends too. Remember, friends don’t let friends drive drunk.” According to NHTSA research, impaired driving remains one of America’s deadliest problems. In 2008, nearly one third of all traffic deaths (11,773) were individuals killed in traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcycle rider (operator) with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. ### FACT SHEET & TALKING POINTS Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk This St. Patrick’s Day Don’t Depend on Dumb Luck—Designate a Sober Driver Before the Party Begins • For many Americans, St. Patrick’s Day has become a popular night out to celebrate with friends and family. Unfortunately, due to the large volume of drunk drivers, the night out has also become very dangerous. • In 2008, there were 134 crash fatalities on St. Patrick’s Day. • 37% of those crashes involved an impaired driver and/or motorcyclist with a (BAC) of .08 and higher. • This limit is illegal in all states, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. • Whether meeting a few friends at the local pub after work or attending a party, if you plan on drinking alcohol, please don’t drive. Impaired Driving Creates Serious Consequences • The tragedies and costs from driving impaired do not end with potential death and injury. • Driving a vehicle or riding a motorcycle while impaired is not worth the risk. The consequences are serious and real. 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 significant. • Drunk driving violators often face jail time, the loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates, and dozens of other unanticipated expenses ranging from attorney fees, court costs, car towing and repairs, and lost wages due to time off from work. • Refusing to take a sobriety test in many jurisdictions may result in the loss of your license on the spot and enhanced penalties. Not to mention the added embarrassment, humiliation, and consequences after informing family, friends and employers. • Please remember that Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk. Designate your sober driver before the St. Patrick’s Day parties begin. • For more information, visit www.StopImpairedDriving.org. |
| Safe Communities Program Releases Richland County Traffic Fatalities Update: None in February, 2010 March 4, 2010 — The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition reports that for the month of February there were no traffic deaths in Richland County. There were also no traffic-related deaths in February of 2009, 2007, 2006 or 2005 but there were two traffic fatalities in February of 2008. There has been one traffic-related death in Richland County this year. 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 on the Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department website at www.richlandhealth.org. St. Patrick’s Day celebrations on March 17 are another occasion to remember to designate a sober driver before the festivities begin. Remember, friends don’t let friends drive drunk. 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 |
| Safe Communities Program Releases Richland County Traffic Fatalities Update: One in January, 2010 February 5, 2010 — The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition reports that for the month of January there was one traffic-related death in Richland County. There was also on traffic-related fatality in Richland County in the month on Januray in the years of 2009, 2008, and 2007, although there were no traffic-related fatalities in January of 2006 or 2005. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration*, each fatality has a comprehensive cost of $3,336,388 associated with it. There were 12 traffic-related fatalities in 2009. 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 on the Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department website at www.richlandhealth.org. 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 Richland County, the grant program is coordinated by the Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department. ### *Source: The Economic Impact of Motor Vehicle Crashes 2002, NHTSA, DOT HS 809 446 |
| Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk After Super Bowl Parties January 28, 2010 — The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition announced today that they are teaming up with the National Football League, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and other state and local law enforcement officials to remind everyone to act responsibly by designating a sober driver if they plan on drinking alcohol on Super Bowl Sunday. It doesn’t matter if you are rooting for the Indianapolis Colts or the New Orleans Saints, if you drink and drive after a Super Bowl party, you might not live to see another game. Last year, 49% of all traffic fatalities on Super Bowl Sunday (6 a.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. Monday) occurred in crashes where the driver or motorcycle operator had a blood alcohol level (BAC) of .08 or higher. “We want to remind everyone this weekend that fans don’t let fans drive drunk,” said Reed Richmond, Health Educator at the Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department and a member of the Safe Communities Coalition. “If you plan on using alcohol while cheering your team on to victory, pass your keys to a sober designated driver before the Super Bowl party begins. Follow the rules or law enforcement will penalize you for driving impaired. We want everyone to make the right play for the big game.” If you are hosting a Super Bowl party: • Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served ends up in an impaired driving crash. • Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers in advance, or help arrange ride-sharing with other sober drivers. • Serve lots of food—and include lots of non-alcoholic beverages at the party. • Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter of the game and begin serving coffee and dessert. • Keep the numbers for local cab companies handy, and take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving while impaired. If you are attending a Super Bowl party or watching at a sports bar or restaurant: • Designate your sober driver before the party begins and give that person your car keys. • Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself—eat enough food, take breaks and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks • If you don’t have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend or family member to come and get you; or just stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober. • Never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive while impaired. • Always buckle up—it’s still your best defense against other impaired drivers. 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. |
| Twelve Traffic Fatalities for 2009 Jan. 5, 2010 - The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition reports that for the month of December there were three traffic deaths in Richland County. This compares with just one traffic fatality in December of 2008. There were twelve (12) county traffic fatalities for 2009. Five of the fatalities in Richland County this year were alcohol-related. This compares with fifteen (15) county traffic fatalities in 2008 and fourteen (14) in 2007. There was a high of eighteen (18) traffic fatalities in 2003, fifteen (15) in 2004, and eight traffic fatalities in both 2005 and 2006. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration*, each fatality has a comprehensive cost of $3,336,388 associated with it. Based on this number, the 12 fatalities this year cost Richland County a total of $40,036,656. “Traffic-fatalities are nearly always avoidable,” said Selby Dorgan, Manager of Health Promotion/Education at the Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department and coordinator of the Safe Communities Coalition. “They result from poor driving habits such as speeding or tailgating and poor operator decisions such as impaired driving or not wearing seat belts or motorcycle helmets.” Dorgan praised all law enforcement agencies in Richland County, partners in the Safe Communities Coalition, for their vigilance. “It’s important to get the information out encouraging seat belt use and discouraging impaired driving,” Dorgan said, “but we need the law enforcement part out there to drive the message home. Both parts are working together.” 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 |
Drunk Driving: Over the Limit. Under Arrest.December 29, 2009: Richland County, OH — We are in the waning hours of the 2009 Holiday Season, however, these last days from now until January 3, 2010 can be the most intense. Ohio will join traffic safety agencies across the country in support of safe driving during the holidays. The primary message during this time will be "Drunk Driving. Over the Limit, Under Arrest." This message has been hitting the television and radio airwaves in support of the law enforcement efforts in curbing impaired driving. In addition to the concerns about drunk driving on New Year’s Eve, Ohio’s law enforcement agencies will be patrolling on January 1 looking for impaired motorists following the Rose Bowl game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks. Ohio will also focus on its secondary message "What's Holding You Back?" focusing on restraint usage. Ohio's law enforcement will focus on impaired and aggressive driving along with enforcing Ohio's Child Passenger and Seat Belt laws. The goal is to ensure that every Ohioan has a Safe Holiday Season on our roadways. |
Safety Tips for Walking in a Winter WonderlandDecember 29, 2009: Richland County, OH — Walking in winter weather, including snow and ice, is something that people either have to do or like to do. But be aware of the unique safety hazards associated with winter weather while "walking in a winter wonderland." In Ohio in 2008, driving in snow, hail or freezing rain caused 64 fatal crashes, 7,747 injury crashes and 29,435 property damage crashes. 98 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes that year although not all were weather-related. “Weather can play a major role in crashes whether you are walking or driving,” said Selby Dorgan, Manager of Health Promotion/Education at the Health Department. “Make sure you know the hazards before venturing out.” To ensure your safety, experts advise winter walkers to remember the following tips: • If the sidewalks and walkways are impassable and you have to walk in the street, walk against traffic and as close to the curb as you can. • Proper gear is a must, but wearing dark "winter" colors can make it hard for motorists to see you, especially if they aren't expecting you. Consider wearing a brightly-colored scarf or hat, or reflective gear, especially if you have to walk in the street. And don't forget gloves, and shoes or boots with non-slip soles. • Snow that has accumulated into drifts can muffle the sounds of approaching motor vehicles. Wearing hats and scarves that cover your ears can also distort or even eliminate these sounds. Keep warm, but make sure you can hear what's going on around you. • If you can, shop before the storm hits. If you have to shop, don't buy more than you can easily carry. Remember - the streets may be slippery and carrying heavy packages can impair your balance. • When traveling with babies or small children, make sure they are dressed in brightly colored or reflective clothing. If you have to push a stroller or walk in the street, the child should be in front of you and as close to the curb as possible. • Because of road conditions, motorists may not be able to stop at traffic signals or slow down for pedestrians. Before you step off the curb into the street, make sure that any approaching vehicles have come to a complete stop. • Bending your knees a little, and taking slower steps can greatly reduce your chances of falling. ### |
Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving on the HighwayDecember 23, 2009: Richland County, OH — The holiday season can be one of the deadliest and most dangerous times of the year due to an increase in impaired driving. Nationally in December of 2008, 888 people were killed in traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcyclists with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. In Ohio in December of 2008, 30 people were killed and 739 injured in impaired driving crashes. That’s why the Richland County Safe Communities Coalition is joining with National, State and local highway safety officials to remind everyone who will be celebrating during the Holidays that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving and to never forget to plan a safe way home before the festivities begin. That includes those who drive on the state and interstate roadways. “We’ve had 12 traffic fatalities in Richland County this year (through December 21) and five of those are alcohol-related,” states Lt. Mike Vinson, Mansfield post commander for the Ohio State Highway Patrol. “That’s an increase in our statistics we are going to be addressing with Christmas and New Year’s Eve task forces. We want to make sure we keep people alive over the holidays.” Lt. Vinson said troopers investigating alcohol-related crashes typically see either one of two reasons for the crash. “One, they are going a little faster and driving a little more aggressively than they normally would because they’ve had a little too much to drink. Or, two, they are highly intoxicated and are driving completely left of center or exit the roadway with no evasive action taken.” In either case, impaired driving elevates the chances for a deadly crash, often involving innocent drivers and passengers in other vehicles. Lt. Vinson suggested the following rules for holiday celebrations that will include alcohol: • Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin; • Before drinking, please designate a sober driver and give that person your keys; • If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely; • And remember, if you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely. “Often it’s the ones who don’t think they’ve had too much to drink that have crashes,” Lt. Vinson said. “Remember, buzzed driving is drunk driving.” Richland County Safe Communities is a grant project from the Ohio Traffic Safety Office run by the Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department. |
Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving in the CountyDecember 16, 2009: Richland County, OH — The holiday season can be one of the deadliest and most dangerous times of the year due to an increase in impaired driving. Nationally in December of 2008, 888 people were killed in traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcyclists with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. In Ohio in December of 2008, 30 people were killed and 739 injured in impaired driving crashes. That’s why the Richland County Safe Communities Coalition is joining with National, State and local highway safety officials to remind everyone who will be celebrating during the Holidays that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving and to never forget to plan a safe way home before the festivities begin. That includes those who drive anywhere in Richland County. “We will have deputies out patrolling 599 square miles of Richland County,” said Captain Norris Baker of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. “We’re out on the roads 24 hours a day, seven days a week and we deal with all driving situations; rural, residential, city and highway.” And that includes dealing with impaired drivers on those roadways. Baker says that most of the drunk driving stops the Sheriff’s Department make deal with one individual in a car. “Usually they are coming back from a bar and we usually see more in the summer when there are more outdoor activities,” Baker said. “But the holidays are a time when party activity increases. It doesn’t matter if the road you travel is lit or unlit, if you’ve been drinking, you are a danger on any road that we patrol.” Baker suggested the following rules for holiday celebrations that will include alcohol: • Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin; • Before drinking, please designate a sober driver and give that person your keys; • If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely; • And remember, if you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely. “Often it’s the ones who don’t think they’ve had too much to drink that have crashes,” Captain Baker said. “Remember, buzzed driving is drunk driving.” Richland County Safe Communities is a grant project from the Ohio Traffic Safety Office run by the Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department. |
Top Winter Driving Tip?: Slow Down! December 9, 2009 — The Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department and the Richland County Safe Communities Coalition is reminding all county residents to get ready for winter driving season. The leading cause of death during winter storms is motor vehicle crashes. The Safe Communities Coalition has prepared a Winter Driving fact sheet (click link below) to remind motorists of the many things they have to be prepared for during winter driving season.“The most important thing to remember is to slow down,” says Reed Richmond, Health Educator at the Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department and Senior Driver Safety Program coordinator. “If you have to drive, drive slower.” Richmond added that allowing more distance to stop is also essential. “People need to remember that even if you have four-wheel or all-wheel drive that doesn’t translate to quicker stopping. In fact, because of their weight, large trucks and SUVs may need longer to stop than a car on ice or snow.” Richmond added a few quick tips from the AARP Driver Safety workbook: · Reduce speed and increase following distance · Keep all windows free of snow and ice · Make sure your car is ready for winter with proper level of anti-freeze · Make sure your tires have adequate tread · Bridges and shaded areas ice first and retain ice longer than roadways · An icy road is more slippery at 32° than at lower temperatures Richmond says the two most important safety measures apply to driving at any time of the year: always wear your seat belt and never drive after drinking alcohol. Winter Driving Safety Tips in downloadable PDF document |
Safe Communities Program Releases Richland County Traffic Fatalities Update: None in November, 2009
Safe Communities Program Releases Richland County Traffic Fatalities Update: One in October, 2009
Safe Communities Program Releases Richland County Traffic Fatalities Update: None in September, 2009 October 5, 2009 — The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition reports that for the month of September there were no traffic deaths in Richland County. There were also no traffic fatalities in September of 2008 and 2007. There have been seven (7) county traffic fatalities for 2009 through nine months. This compares with 13 traffic fatalities in 2008, nine in 2007, six in 2006 and 2005 and 11 traffic fatalities in 2004 through the first nine 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 seven fatalities this year have cost Richland County a total of $23,354,716. October is the perfect time to remind Richland County drivers to be aware of the increased presence of deer on the roadway. In 2008, nearly one half of the 24,509 deer-related crashes in Ohio occurred between October and December. These incidents caused 979 injuries, as well as six fatalities, to the vehicle occupants. In 2008, Richland County was tied for second with Hamilton County (Cincinnati area) for the most deer-vehicle crashes in the State with 592 incidents. Those crashes were up 21 from the year before. Deer are particularly active at dawn and dusk so be especially alert during these low visibility times and have your headlights on. Surprisingly, 67 percent of deer-vehicle crashes happened not in rural areas but on state routes. 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
Safe Communities Program Releases Richland County Traffic Fatalities Update: Two in August, 2009 SUMMER CRACKDOWN ON IMPAIRED DRIVING Safe Communities Program Releases Richland County Traffic Fatalities Update: Two in July, 2009 Safe Communities Program Releases Richland County Traffic Fatalities Update: One for June, 2009
Safe Communities Program Releases Richland County Traffic Fatalities Update: One for May, 2009 Students from Pioneer Host 2009 "What's Holding You Back?" Seat Belt Awareness Kickoff
Safe Communities Coalition Backing "What's Holding You Back?" Seat Belt Awareness KEY MESSAGES: • The risk of being involved in a fatal crash is significantly greater at night as compared to the daytime. • NHTSA research shows that fewer people wear their seat belts at night than during the day. In 2007, 14,464 passenger vehicle occupants died in crashes between the hours of 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m., according to NHTSA research. Of that number, 63 percent were not wearing seat belts, compared to 45 percent of unbelted daytime (6 a.m. and 5:59 p.m.) occupants. • Depending on the hour of the day, belt use among passenger vehicle occupant fatalities can vary by nearly 31 percentage points – from a high of 61 percent at 10 a.m. to a low of 30 percent at 3 a.m. • Seat belts save lives – they are the best defense against injuries and fatalities. • In 2007 alone, seat belts saved an estimated 15,147 lives. An additional 5,024 lives could have been saved if seat belts were worn at the time of the crashes. • One in five Americans still fails to buckle up regularly. • Employing safe driving practices, day and night, is the key to keeping drivers, their passengers, and other motorists on our nation's highways safe. A seat belt can mean the difference between life and death. • Seat belt checkpoints and other stepped-up law enforcement activities will be conducted during the national Click It or Ticket enforcement mobilization, which runs May 18- 31. • Richland County law enforcement agencies will be out in force stopping and ticketing unbelted motorists. • Unless you have money to burn and want to risk a ticket or worse – your life -- you need to always remember to Click It or Ticket day and night. For additional information, please visit www.nhtsa.gov. Safe Communities Program Releases Richland County Traffic Fatalities Update: None for April, 2009 PICTURES FROM THE MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS KICKOFF AT RENEGADE CLASSICS, APRIL 25
Safe Communities Program Releases Richland County Traffic Fatalities Update: None for March, 2009 Safe Communities Urges Responsible Driving for St. Patrick's Day “St. Patrick’s Day is supposed to be a time to celebrate Irish heritage and gather with friends, but it can quickly end in tragedy due to impaired driving,” said Safe Communities spokesperson Reed Richmond. “If you plan on drinking, don’t rely on luck to keep you safe or to keep you out of trouble. Be responsible and take appropriate precautions.” Richland County Safe Communities recommends the following tips: “Driving impaired or riding with someone who is impaired is an extremely risky thing to do,” Richmond said. “If you plan on using alcohol, plan ahead and look out for your friends too. Remember, friends don’t let friends drive drunk.” According to NHTSA research, impaired driving remains one of America’s deadliest problems. In 2007, 41,059 people nationwide were killed in motor vehicle crashes. Out of that number 12,998 people were killed in traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcycle rider (operator) with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. To learn more, please visit www.StopImpairedDriving.org. Safe Communities Program Releases Richland County Traffic Fatalities Update: None for February, 2009 Safe Communities Program Releases Richland County Traffic Fatalities Update: One for January *Source: The Economic Impact of Motor Vehicle Crashes 2002, NHTSA, DOT HS 809 446
Safe Communities Program Releases Richland County Traffic Fatalities Update: One for December January 5, 2009 —The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition reports that for the month of December there was one traffic death in Richland County. There were fifteen (15) county traffic fatalities for 2008. This compares with fourteen (14) county traffic fatalities for 2007. There was a high of 18 traffic fatalities in 2003, 15 in 2004, and eight traffic fatalities in both 2005 and 2006. One third of the fatalities in Richland County this year came in a single vehicle alcohol-related crash that claimed five lives. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration*, each fatality has a comprehensive cost of $3,336,388 associated with it. Based on this number, the 15 fatalities this year cost Richland County a total of $50,045,820. “Traffic-fatalities are nearly always avoidable,” said Selby Dorgan, Manager of Health Promotion/Education at the Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department and coordinator of the Safe Communities Coalition. “They result from poor driving habits such as speeding or tailgating and poor operator decisions such as impaired driving or not wearing seat belts or motorcycle helmets.” Dorgan praised all law enforcement agencies in Richland County, partners in the Safe Communities Coalition, for their vigilance. “It’s important to get the information out encouraging seat belt use and discouraging impaired driving,” Dorgan said, “but we need the law enforcement part out there to drive the message home. Both parts are working together.” 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 PASS THE KEYS TO A DESIGNATED DRIVER AT FOOTBALL BOWL GAME PARTIES Use the following tips if you are hosting a party: Start the New Year off without the embarrassment and financial burden of a drunk driving arrest or, worse, a traffic crash that results in injuries or death. |
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