Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving in City Areas
December 9, 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.
I n 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 in the city areas of Mansfield and Ontario.
“When a drunk driver enters the city limits they are entering a more congested area,” said traffic officer Brian Kerr of the Mansfield Police Department. “We’ve got pedestrians, cross streets, one way streets, multiple lanes of traffic, lane markings and red lights that require driving attention. You have to be able to multi-task as well as drive defensively. That’s not something a drunk driver is very good at.”
Chief Rodney Smith of the Ontario Police Department points out that things get really dicey for a drunk driver in the Ontario shopping zones during the holiday. “We have a much higher volume of traffic during the holidays and that calls for being able to handle stop and go traffic, multiple turning lanes and decisions about when to pull into the traffic flow from parking lots,” Smith said. “If you aren’t able to react quickly or make poor decisions because of your impairment, you are at a much greater risk of having a crash.”
Both officers 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,” Chief Smith 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.

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Safe Communities Program Releases Richland County Traffic Fatalities Update: None in November, 2009
December 4, 2009 — The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition reports that for the month of November there were no traffic-related deaths in Richland County. This compares with one traffic-related death in November of 2008.
There have been eight county traffic-related fatalities for 2009 through eleven (11) months. This compares with fourteen (14) county traffic fatalities in 2008, thirteen (13) county traffic fatalities for 2007, eight traffic fatalities through 11 month in 2006 and 2005 and fourteen (14) traffic fatalities through 11 months in 2004.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration*, each fatality has a comprehensive cost of $3,336,388 associated with it. The eight fatalities this year cost Richland County a total of $26,691,104.
December is National Drunk & Drugged Driver (3D) Prevention Month. According to Ohio State Patrol, in December 2008, 30 Ohioans were killed and 739 injured in crashes that involved a drunk driver or motorcycle rider (operator) with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.
Remember, Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. If you are going to a holiday party where alcohol may be consumed, designate your sober driver before going out. If you are hosting a party, or know that someone may be impaired, take their keys and help make other arrangements to get them home safely. 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. In Richland County, the grant program is coordinated by the Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department.
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*Source: The Economic Impact of Motor Vehicle Crashes 2002, NHTSA, DOT HS 809 446

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Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving in Rural Areas
December 3, 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 in rural areas.
“I think there’s a feeling in rural areas that maybe you can get away with driving after drinking because you don’t expect to see many police cars,” said Bob Ball, Investigator with the Richland County Coroner Office who sees a lot of rural crashes resulting in fatalities. “But beyond the risk of being caught, you increase the chances of a having a crash because the driving environment is riskier.”
Ball points out that rural roads often are less forgiving on someone driving impaired because the roads are narrower and there are often steep drop-offs if the vehicle tires leave the road surface. “You are driving in poorly lit areas often without lane markers or guardrails in hazardous places. These are situations that call for concentration on the driving task that can’t be performed when impaired.”
Ball 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,” Ball said. “Remember, buzzed driving is drunk driving.”

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Note: December is National Drunk & Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month. Future stories here will be focusing attention on Impaired Driving from Rural, City, County, and Highway law enforcement agencies. This release is the foundation for that information.

BUZZED DRIVING IS DRUNK DRIVING THIS HOLIDAY
December 2, 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.
“The consumption of alcohol, drugs and driving just don’t mix,” said Selby Dorgan, manager of Health Promotion/Education at the Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department and coordinator of the Richland County Safe Communities Coalition. “Whether you’ve had way too many or just one too many, it’s not worth the risk of killing yourself or someone else. Don’t ever get behind a wheel of a vehicle when you are impaired.”
Following these easy steps, a driver can enjoy a safe and festive holiday without jeopardizing their life and the lives of the others who may be on the road: • 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; • 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 while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.
“Saving lives on our roads is a top priority and we need everyone’s help to do it,” Dorgan said. This holiday season, don’t let your year end in an arrest—or even worse, death. Make smart decisions. Plan ahead, so you can assure a safe way home.”

A fact sheet about Impaired Driving overall and in the month of December follows:

2009 Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving
We know that the holiday season between Thanksgiving and New Year’s can be one of the deadliest and most dangerous times on America’s roadways due to an increase in drunk driving. That is why during the month of December, Richland County Safe Communities is joining with hundreds of other state and local law enforcement and highway safety officials to get drunk drivers off of the roads, and remind motorists and motorcycle riders this holiday season that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.
KEY MESSAGES
Drunk driving is dangerous, regardless of gender:
• In 2008 during the month of December, 3,074 people were killed in crashes on America’s roadways. Out of that number, 888 people were killed in crashes that involved a driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.
• Overall, about 2,500 fatalities a year involved an impaired female driver.
• In December of 2008, 19% of the female drivers who were killed in traffic crashes had a BAC of .08 and higher.
• Remember Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.
The results from drinking and driving can end up costly no matter how many drinks you’ve had:
• The FBI shows that arrests for women driving under the influence increased by nearly 30 percent (28.8%) over the 10-year period from 1998 to 2007.
• Refusal of a sobriety test in many jurisdictions can result in the loss of your license on the spot and your car can also be impounded.
• Don’t forget the embarrassment and humiliation of informing family, friends and employers.
• Violators often face jail time, higher insurance rates, and dozens of other unanticipated expenses—including attorney’s fees, court costs, car towing, repairs, and lost work time.
• Don’t ever get behind a wheel of a vehicle when you are impaired.
Here are some preventative measures so your Holiday season will not be ruined:
• Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;
• Before drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home;
• 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.
• Wear your seat belt while in a car or use a helmet and protective gear when on a motorcycle as these are your best defenses against an impaired driver;
• If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement.
For more information, please visit www.StopImpairedDriving.org.

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Safe Communities Program Releases Richland County Traffic Fatalities Update: One in October, 2009
November 5, 2009 — The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition reports that for the month of October there was one traffic death in Richland County. There were no traffic fatalities in Richland County in October of 2008. There have been eight (8) county traffic fatalities for 2009 through ten months. This compares with 13 traffic fatalities in 2008, 12 in 2007, seven in 2006 and six in 2005 for the first ten 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 eight fatalities this year have cost Richland County a total of $26,691,104. With many people traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is using the month of November as a friendly reminder for everyone to buckle up each and every trip, day or night. Nationally, during the Thanksgiving period of 2008, more than half of the passenger vehicle occupants who died in motor vehicle crashes were not wearing a seat belt. The majority of those vehicle crash deaths occurred at night. “To lose a loved one is a terrible thing to experience, especially during America’s family holiday, but to lose one’s life when it might have been saved by taking a couple of seconds to buckle a seat belt is truly senseless,” said Selby Dorgan, coordinator of the Safe Communities program. 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

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Reducing the Top 5 Halloween Risks
October 15, 2009 — Since Halloween falls on Saturday this year, traffic safety and health experts are expecting an increase in fatalities and injuries.1
With more than 36 million children out trick-or-treating, the Richland County Safe Communities Coalition is releasing the following information to help inform families and keep kids out of the emergency room. Below are some facts to help make families more aware of Halloween Hazards and help keep trick-or-treaters safe.
Risk #1 Pedestrian-Car Collisions: Child pedestrians are four times more likely to be killed on Halloween than on any other evening of the year.2 Parents need to accompany children, make sure they are visible, and model safe pedestrian behaviors themselves.
Risk #2 Non-Intersection Crossings: Well over half of the Halloween pedestrian fatalities involving children occur at non-intersections, suggesting that mid-block crossings, darting out from between parked cars and other unexpected crossing behaviors may have contributed to their deaths.3
Risk #3 Drunk Driving: Drunk driving over Halloween has surpassed drunk driving on New Year's. On Halloween night in 2008, 58% of all highway fatalities involving a driver or a motorcycle rider were alcohol-related.4
Alternatives to Impaired Driving:
• If you have consumed alcohol at a Halloween Party, find a sober driver for a safe ride home. Call a cab or a friend for a ride or sleep it off where you are.
• If you are hosting a Halloween Party, make sure to take keys at the door and have sober designated drivers available. Be sure to provide non-alcohol drinks as well. Remember: “Friends don’t let friends drive drunk.”
Risk #4 Falls: Falls are one of the leading causes of injury on Halloween night. While it is important to make sure costumes are "fall-proof," it is also important to clear walkways, yards and driveways of tripping hazards in advance and to carry a flashlight.
Risk #5 Burns and Eye Injuries: Medical professionals cite an increase in eye and burn-related injuries on Halloween night. Paying attention to children's costumes, using face paint instead of masks and using "soft" toy weapons can help reduce these risks.
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1. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 2. CDC Wonder, "Childhood Pedestrian Deaths During Halloween -- United States, 1975-1996, MMWR 46(42); 987-990 (7/24/1997) 3. National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as quoted by the Independent-Mail, 10/27/2008, www.independentmail.com/news/2008/oct/27/officials-halloween 4. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration The Economic Impact of Motor Vehicle Crashes 2002, NHTSA, DOT HS 809 446

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

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Safe Communities Issues Deer-Vehicle Collision Warning
October 1, 2009 — Richland County, OH — Deer crossing warning signs speak the truth. That’s the warning being issued by the Richland County Safe Communities Coalition.
In Ohio last year, there were 24,590 deer-motor vehicle crashes. These incidents caused 979 injuries, as well as six fatalities, to the vehicle occupants.
From mid-October through mid-December, deer engage in courtship, called the "rut." In fact, 45% of all vehicle crashes involving deer happen in October, November and December, with one-fifth of all those crashes happening in November. "The bucks lose all sense of reality during “rut” and have just one thing on their minds: breeding," said Dave Swanson, Ohio Division of Wildlife chief forest game biologist. "So they'll chase the does across fields or across highways without any regard to their own safety. At the same time the fawns are being booted out by their mothers and so they are moving, too. Combined, that's just more deer on the run."
Richland County is tied with Hamilton County (Cincinnati-area) with the second most Deer-Vehicle Crashes (DVCs) in Ohio with 592 crashes. Summit County had the most DVCs in 2008 with 601. Researchers of the problem have noted that most DVCs happen on two-lane roads that pass near water or traverse patchworks of pasture, row crops, orchards, woods, residences and wetlands. This is a common theme throughout Richland County.
Although vehicle damage varies widely because of such factors as speed upon impact, type of vehicle and where the damage occurs, the average collision - based on national statistics - costs $2,000. In Ohio, this means that collisions with deer cause an estimated $49.4 million in motor vehicle damage annually.
The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition has included the attached information “Caution: Deer Crossing!” to highlight the problem.
Deer Collision Warning

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Safe Communities Program Releases Richland County Traffic Fatalities Update: Two in August, 2009
September 1, 2009 — The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition reports that for the month of August there were two traffic deaths in Richland County. One of those fatalities was from a crash that occurred in July.
There have been seven (7) county traffic fatalities through the first eight months of 2009. This compares with 13 county traffic fatalities for 2008, nine traffic fatalities in 2007, six traffic fatalities in 2006, three traffic fatalities in 2005 and nine traffic fatalities in 2004 through the first eight 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.
With all Richland County schools back in session, the Richland County Safe Communities Coalition is reminding drivers to be aware of school speed zones and cross walks and to remember safety while driving around school buses. School speed zones are 20 miles per hour during school hours. Drivers also must stop at school crosswalks when pedestrians are present. State law requires all vehicles on roads with three or fewer lanes to stop at least 10 feet from the front or rear of a stopped bus with its red flashers on and stop arm extended. On roads with four or more lanes, only the vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop.
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.
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*Source: The Economic Impact of Motor Vehicle Crashes 2002, NHTSA, DOT HS 809 446

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SUMMER CRACKDOWN ON IMPAIRED DRIVING
August 17 — August 21 through September 7 are the dates for this year’s national law enforcement crackdown on Impaired Driving. The enhanced enforcement period extends through the Labor Day holiday. National advertising will focus on the theme of “Over the Limit. Under Arrest.” This campaign centers on law enforcement agencies’ vigorous enforcement of drunk driving laws.
It’s during these crackdowns that the public can expect every law enforcement agency in the state, including Sheriff’s Departments and State Highway Patrols, to be participating in the hunt for and prosecution of impaired drivers.
Drunk driving remains the leading killer of all motorists. Approximately 31% of all road fatalities are because someone was driving drunk or under the influence of drugs. That’s about 13,000 lives lost every year because someone was too senseless not to drive after becoming intoxicated (approximately one life lost every 45 minutes).
Members of the Richland County Safe Communities Coalition who are not members of the law enforcement community will use another “softer” message to attempt to positively influence the drinking and driving problem. “You Drink. You Drive. You Lose.” focuses on the social aspect of impaired driving rather than the criminal aspect. It serves to remind vehicle operators (including motorcycle users) that no good can come of drinking and driving. In addition to an arrest, there are legal costs, increased insurance costs, damaged reputations, and the possibility of living with the results of a crash, injury, or fatality that you may have caused.
The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition reminds everyone that if you are going to a summer party and do end up drinking alcohol, remember:
• Give your keys to a sober driver
• Have a designated sober driver before the evening begins
• Sleep it off where you are or call a cab.

As the official kickoff for Impaired Driving Awareness on August 22, the Richland County Safe Communities Coalition will sponsor a “Mocktail” tasting event from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Lexington Blueberry Festival. These drink recipes will show that it’s possible to have fun drinks, and a fun get-together, without alcohol being in the recipe.

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Safe Communities Program Releases Richland County Traffic Fatalities Update: Two in July, 2009
August 5, 2009 — The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition reports that for the month of July there were two traffic deaths in Richland County. There have been five (5) county traffic fatalities for 2009 through seven months.
This compares with 12 traffic fatalities in 2008 (which also included two in July), 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 five fatalities this year have cost Richland County a total of $16,681,940.
The Safe Communities Coalition will sponsor a “Safety Day” at the Richland County Fair on Tuesday, August 11. 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 an “Impaired Basketball Challenge.” Wearing “Fatal Vision” goggles that simulate a level of impairment equal to the legal limit of .08 BAC (blood alcohol content), fair-goers can try their hand at making baskets of a child-size goal. 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.
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*Source: The Economic Impact of Motor Vehicle Crashes 2002, NHTSA, DOT HS 809 446

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Safe Communities Program Releases Richland County Traffic Fatalities Update: One for June, 2009
July 2, 2009 — The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition reports that for the month of June there was one traffic death in Richland County.
There have been three (3) total traffic-related deaths this year in Richland County.
This compares with no traffic deaths in June of last year but 10 total fatalities for the first six months of 2008. There were 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 three fatalities this year cost Richland County $10,009,164.
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.

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

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Fourth of July Crackdown on Drunk Driving
Posted June 25 — The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition today announced its support for impaired driving awareness and warns that officers will be out in full force during the Fourth of July holiday period, cracking down on drunk drivers with an aggressive Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest enforcement blitz.
“Driving while drunk isn’t worth the tremendous risk. No matter your age, if you’ve had too much to drink, you’d better find a safe and sober ride home,” said Reed Richmond, Health Educator at the Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department and a Safe Communities Coalition member. “Many people fail to realize that just a couple of drinks can affect your ability to operate a motor vehicle. Buzzed driving is drunk driving.”
The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition cites recent statistics to underscore the importance of the crackdown. In 2007, 34 percent of all drivers involved in traffic-related crashes during the July 4th holiday period (6 p.m. Tuesday, July 3, 2007 to 5:59 a.m. on Thursday, July 5, 2007) had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, the legal limit in all states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. During the July 4th holiday period in 2007, there were a total of 200 traffic-related fatalities. Of those, 44 percent involved a driver or motorcycle rider with a BAC of .08 or higher.
Drunk driving is one of America’s deadliest problems. In 2007, 41,059 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes. There were 12,998 people who were killed in traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.
Alcohol plays a big role in motorcycle fatalities too. Forty-one percent of the 2,182 motorcycle riders who were killed in single-vehicle crashes in 2007 had BAC levels of .08 or higher. In fatal crashes for 2007 a higher percentage of motorcycle riders had BAC levels of .08 or higher than any other type of vehicle driver.
The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition reminds everyone that a few simple precautions before the celebration can help prevent a drunk driving incident:
• 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;
• Use your community’s local transportation options;
• If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement;
• And remember, Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk. 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.
Driving impaired is simply 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. Violators often face jail time, the loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates, and dozens of other unanticipated expenses.
“It’s obvious to recognize someone who’s had way too much to drink to drive safely. But what about those who have had just a few too many?” Richmond asked. “You don’t have to be ‘falling down drunk’ to be a threat to yourself and others on the road.”
Don’t let this Fourth of July blow up in your face. Remember, Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. Designate your sober driver before the parties begin.
For more information, please visit www.StopImpairedDriving.org.

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Safe Communities Program Releases Richland County Traffic Fatalities Update: One for May, 2009
June 2, 2009 — The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition reports that for the month of May there was one traffic death in Richland County.
There have been two (2) total traffic-related deaths this year in Richland County. This compares with 10 traffic fatalities during the first five months of 2008. There were also 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 two fatalities this year cost Richland County $6,672,776.
Although the 2009 “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 we see an increase in traffic 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. “Also, due to warmer weather and rising gas prices, we need to be alert for increased motorcycle, moped and bicycle traffic. That’s another reason why motorists must focus on the driving task and avoid distractions both inside and outside the vehicle.”
Richmond added that seat belt surveys to determine use rates in Richland County are ongoing during the months of June and September.

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

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Students from Pioneer Host 2009 "What's Holding You Back?" Seat Belt Awareness Kickoff
May 29, 2009 — Students from the junior class at Pioneer Career and Technology Center joined with the Richland County Safe Communities Coalition to bring the Seat Belt Awareness campaign "What's Holding You Back?" to fellow students.
Four groups of students did presentations on the importance of seat belt use. Prizes were awarded to each group and included tickets to Kings Island (from AAA Ohio), $25 gas cards and promos (from Shelly Nalle of American Family Insurance), $15 gas cards (from Scott Sharrock Insurance), movie tickets (from Cinemark), and pizzas (from Pizza Hut).
See video of the event here: http://media.wmfd.com:8000/wmfdnewsembed/052909seatbelt.wmv
Pictures from the event are listed below:

Big Crowd behind the judges.

Trooper Ivy talks to the students.

He's belted!

A head-on crash delivers the seat belt message.

Balloon toss like they’re unbelted.

Faculty members take part in seat belt relay.

Students performed the relay as well.

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Safe Communities Coalition Backing "What's Holding You Back?" Seat Belt Awareness
May 15, 2009 — 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 (known as “Click It or Ticket”) and awareness period this year is from May 18 – 31. The goal of “What’s Holding You Back?” is reducing deaths and injuries on Ohio's roadways. Wearing a 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 2002 to just over 80% last year, that still means that one out of every five vehicle drivers is not belted. 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?

Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
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.

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Safe Communities Program Releases Richland County Traffic Fatalities Update: None for April, 2009
May 4, 2009 — The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition reports that for the month of April there were no traffic deaths in Richland County.
There was one traffic-related death in April of last year, no traffic-related deaths in April in 2007 and two traffic deaths in April of 2006.
There has been one traffic-related death in Richland County this year. Last year there was a total of 10 traffic-related deaths in the County through the first four months. 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.
May 18-31 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.

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

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PICTURES FROM THE MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS KICKOFF AT RENEGADE CLASSICS, APRIL 25
Note: additional pictures and video about the event available here: http://www.wmfd.com/newsboard/single.asp?Story=35609
The location, Boomer's Powersports in Mansfield

Bikes starting lining up

Then more bike came.

All kinds of bikes, including choppers ...

... bikes with sidecars ...

... bikes with three wheels ...

... and bikes with kids!

There was a "Blessing of the Bikes" and then the "First Ride."

And everyone came back at 3 p.m. for hotdogs, snacks, cold soft drinks, music and a T-Shirt drawing!

So keep an eye out for motorcycles and let's share the road safely!

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Kickoff is April 25 at Noon at Renegade Classics
April 20, 2009 — May is “Motorcycle Safety Awareness” Month. This month-long safety message is used to urge motorcyclist to wear proper safety gear and also to remind motorists to be cautious when sharing the road with motorcycles.
To bring attention to Motorcycle Safety Awareness, the Richland County Safe Communities Coalition has joined with Renegade Classics/Boomer’s Powersports in Mansfield in sponsoring a ride on Saturday, April 25.
Bikers will gather at Renegade Classics/Boomer’s Powersports at 539 Park Ave. East for a “Blessing of the Bikes” at noon followed by a road ride. The bike blessing will be by the Mansfield Chapter of “Road Riders for Jesus.”
Eric Holmes, owner of Renegade Classics/Boomer’s Powersports, will have a hot dog cookout for all participants at 3 p.m.
In case of rain, the event will be moved to Saturday, May 2.
The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition will have a display at Renegade Classics/Boomer’s Powersports about Motorcycle Safety Awareness.
“Although overall traffic fatalities are down in Ohio, traffic fatalities involving motorcycles in 2007 increased by 22% over the previous three years. And last year saw an 11% increase in fatalities over 2007,” said Reed Richmond, Health Educator at the Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department and a Safe Communities Coalition organizer. “Those increases in fatalities are from a combination of higher gas prices that resulted in more new cyclists on the road and increased the number of former cyclists returning to their bikes.”
Richmond said that new riders and returning riders should be motorcycle certified and trained and wear the proper safety equipment. But he cautions that the motoring public also has a responsibility in sharing the road safely with motorcycles.
“A majority of fatal motorcycle crashes are the result of risky behavior by the rider. But in two-thirds of the 3,677 motorcycle injury crashes it was the non-motorcycle driver at error in the crash,” Richmond reports.
The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition says drivers need to remember a few tips as the weather gets warmer and more motorcycles take to the road. Those tips can be found below along with statistics for 2008 Ohio motorcycle crashes all in PDF format.
2008 Ohio Motorcycle Crash Data
Tips for Motorists For Sharing the Road with Motorcycles

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Safe Communities Program Releases Richland County Traffic Fatalities Update: None for March, 2009
April 3, 2009 — The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition reports that for the month of March there were no traffic deaths in Richland County.
Last year there was a single vehicle crash in March that killed all five occupants. There were no traffic-related deaths in March in 2005, 2006 or 2007. There has been a total of one (1) traffic-related deaths in Richland County this year.
There were nine (9) traffic-related deaths through the first three months of 2008. There was also one traffic death through the first three months of 2007 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.
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 Richland County Safe Communities Coalition is having a Motorcycle Safety Awareness kickoff on April 25 at noon at Renegade Classics/Boomer’s Powersports at 593 Park Avenue East in Mansfield.
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

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Safe Communities Urges Responsible Driving for St. Patrick's Day
March 3, 2009 —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 five years, 851 people lost their lives in motor vehicles crashes during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday. Out of that number, 327 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 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.

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Safe Communities Program Releases Richland County Traffic Fatalities Update: None for February, 2009
March 3, 2009 — 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 in 2005, 2006 and 2007 but there were two 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.
With St. Patrick’s Day celebrations on March 17 comes the temptation to over imbibe. Remember, “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.” Designated 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.

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

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Safe Communities Program Releases Richland County Traffic Fatalities Update: One for January
February 4, 2009 —The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition reports that for the month of January there was one traffic death in Richland County.
There was also one traffic death in January of 2008 and 2007 although there were no traffic fatalities in Richland County in January of 2006 or 2005.
There were a total of 15 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 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.

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

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PASS YOUR KEYS AT SUPER BOWL PARTIES
Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk
Posted Jan. 26, 2009 — During this year’s Super Bowl, eat lots of great food, take in the halftime show and enjoy the multi-million dollar commercials, but don’t drink and then drive home after attending a party. It doesn’t matter if you are rooting for the New England Patriots or the New York Giants, if you drink and drive after a Super Bowl party, you might not live to see another game. Let the teams do the blitzing on the football field. Don’t you and the other guests drink alcohol in excess and then try to drive while impaired. “We want to remind everyone this weekend that real 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:
• Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself—eat enough food, take breaks and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
• Designate your sober driver before the party begins and give that person your car keys.
• 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.

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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

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PASS THE KEYS TO A DESIGNATED DRIVER AT FOOTBALL BOWL GAME PARTIES
Posted Dec. 29, 2008 — The Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department and the Richland County Safe Communities Coalition are joining forces with federal, state and local law enforcement officials to remind all of those who plan on using alcohol at football bowl parties, like the Ohio State’s Fiesta Bowl appearance on January 5 or the BSC Championship on January 8, to act responsibly by designating a sober driver before the big games begin.
“We want everyone to remember that wherever you are watching the big games, if you plan on using alcohol, pass your keys to a sober, designated driver. Don’t get penalized for impaired driving,” said Reed Richmond, Health Educator at the Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department and a member of the Safe Communities Coalition.
Football Bowl parties have become one of America’s biggest and most entertaining national sporting events as friends and family gather to watch the big games and enjoy all the festivities surrounding it. Yet, it can also be a dangerous time on the nation’s roadways due to impaired driving related crashes. With Ohio State University’s football team again in a BCS Bowl game, concern on Ohio’s roadways will be heightened.
Richmond said that designating a sober driver before the football party begins and making sure friends don’t drive drunk are two simple steps to help avoid a tragic crash or an arrest for impaired driving. Other tips are:
If you are attending a Football Bowl party:
• Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself – eat, take breaks, alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
• Designate your sober driver before the party begins and give that person your car keys.
• If impaired, don’t even think about getting behind the wheel. Ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend or family member to come and get you; or stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober.
• Remember, Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk. Take the keys if you think they are about to drive while impaired.
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.
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NEW YEAR'S EVE NO TIME TO PRACTICE IMPAIRED DRIVING SKILLS
Posted Dec. 24, 2008 — The end of the year always brings with it a warning from law enforcement agencies about drinking and driving on New Year’s Eve. While driving impaired is never a good choice, there will be increased patrols looking for drunk drivers on Wednesday, Dec. 31, and into the wee hours of the New Year.
Both the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Richland County Sheriff’s Office will have saturation patrols out on New Year’s Eve. You can bet that cops in Richland County cities and villages will also be on greater alert. The message is simple: “You Drink. You Drive. You Lose.”
While deaths due to alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes was at an all-time low last year, that low still resulted in almost 13,000 deaths in the United States.
The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition is reminding New Year’s Eve party-goers that “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.” You may not feel that you’ve had too much to drink, but operating any motor vehicle after having a drink containing alcohol is not a good idea. With the increased law enforcement patrols, New Year’s Eve will definitely be a bad time to practice impaired driving skills.

Use the following tips if you are hosting a party:
• Be sure all your guests have a designated driver in advance or help arrange ride-sharing with sober drivers.
• Take the keys away from anyone who is thinking of driving impaired and call them a cab.
If you do plan to consume alcohol at a party:
• Designate a sober driver before the party begins and give them your car keys.
• If impaired, don’t even think about getting behind the wheel. Ask a sober friend for a ride, call a cab, a friend or a family member to come get you, or stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober.

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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Archived Safe Communities News Releases, 2001-2008