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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A message endorsed by Mansfield Mayor Don Culliver:
CELEBRATE KWANZAA BUT DO IT SAFELY AND RESPONSIBLY
Kwanzaa Principles Uphold Reasons Not to Drive While Impaired
Posted December 17, 2008 – According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Ethnicity and Alcohol Related Fatalities study in 2000, African-American drivers over 40 years old are especially at risk for alcohol-related fatalities, and for being unbelted at the time of a crash, which further increases the chances of a fatality. Equally alarming is that someone in America is injured every two minutes in an alcohol-related crash, and every 31 minutes, someone is killed in an alcohol-related crash. For ages 12- to 20-years-old, alcohol use contributes to the three leading causes of death among African-Americans: homicide, unintentional injuries (including car crashes), and suicide.
One of the seven principles of Kwanzaa is “Ujima,” which means “responsibility.” During this time of year (December 26th – January 1st) when many African-Americans celebrate Kwanzaa, they are reminded that this responsibility extends to educating others about the dangers associated with impaired driving, and the importance of selecting a designated driver before attending any event where alcohol will be served. People must also be prepared to intervene if they see someone who has had too much to drink attempting to drive home. This one act can save many lives!
“Impaired driving is dangerous at any time,” says Mansfield Mayor Don Culliver. “With so much to lose as a result of a single decision, Kwanzaa is an appropriate time for African-Americans to think about being responsible for their actions and always pledging to designate a sober driver.”
African-Americans should know that NHTSA’s national drunk driving awareness and enforcement campaign “Over the Limit. Under Arrest.” means that drivers who are caught driving while impaired or allowing another to do so can be arrested, have their license revoked, have their insurance rates increased, or be given hefty fines. According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2004, more than 1.4 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. This is an arrest rate of 1 for every 139 licensed drivers in the United States.
According to NHTSA, in 2005 more than 250,000 people were injured in crashes where police reports indicated alcohol was present – an average of one person injured every two minutes. “Alcohol-related crashes destroy families and that destroys communities,” Culliver said, “so it’s important for African-Americans and others to embrace the principle of ‘Collective Work and Responsibility’ that makes us responsible for each other.”
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DRUNK & DRUGGED DRIVER (3D) PREVENTION MONTH
Dec. 10, 2008 — December has been designated by Presidential Proclamation as National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month (also known as 3D Month). Since 1981, every President of the United States has demonstrated his commitment to preventing impaired driving by striving to increase public awareness and prevention and supporting public- and private-sector organizations committed to preventing crashes caused by impaired driving.
Recent research* underscores the continuing need for this emphasis, particularly among America’s youth:
• In 2007, alcohol-related motor-vehicle crashes resulted in 12,998 deaths in the United States, accounting for 32% of the total traffic fatalities for the year.
• An alcohol-related motor vehicle crash kills someone every 31 minutes and non-fatally injures someone every two minutes.
• Drugs other than alcohol (e.g., marijuana and cocaine) are involved in about 18% of motor vehicle driver deaths. These other drugs are generally used in combination with alcohol.
• For 2007, alcohol was involved in 20% of fatal crashes involving drivers ages 16 to 20.
• Young men ages 18 to 20 (under the legal drinking age) reported driving while impaired more frequently than any other age group.
Parents are the most important influence on teens when it comes to alcohol, marijuana use and other risky behaviors, including risky driving. Greater parent involvement, clear rules, and parental supervision are associated with less risky teen behavior, such as marijuana use and driving while high or under the influence of alcohol.
To further decrease alcohol-related fatal crashes, communities need to implement and enforce strategies that are known to be effective. Strategies include sobriety checkpoints, 0.08% BAC laws, minimum legal drinking age laws, and “zero tolerance” laws for young drivers, which make it illegal for youth under age 21 years to drive with any measurable amount of alcohol in their system.
The Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has partnered with state and local law enforcement agencies to carry out the campaign, “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.” This program aims to keep impaired drivers off our nation’s roads by creating new public education programs and toughening enforcement.
During this month, the best gift you can give someone who’s been drinking is the offer of a ride home. Remember: “Friends don’t let friends drive drunk.”
*Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
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2008 Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving
Dec. 15, 2008 — The holiday season can be one of the deadliest and most dangerous times of the year due to an increase in impaired driving. In December 2007, 992 people were killed in crashes that involved a drunk driver or motorcycle rider (operator) with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.
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 and Education at the Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department and coordinator of the Safe Communities program. “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,” 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.”
Whether you’ve had way too many or just one too many, it’s not worth the risk.

KEY MESSAGES:
Alcohol impaired driving is one of America’s most-often-committed and deadliest crimes.

• In 2007, 41,059 people nationwide were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes. Alcohol-impaired driving fatalities accounted for 32 percent of the total motor vehicle traffic fatalities.

• In 2007, 12,998 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, that involved a driver or motorcycle rider (operator) with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.

• During the month of December, 3,235 people were killed in crashes on America’s roadways in 2007. Of that number, 992 people were killed in crashes that involved driver or motorcycle rider (operator) with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.

This holiday season, whether you’ve had way too many or just one too many, it’s not worth the risk of killing yourself or someone else. Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving and has other serious consequences too.

• Violators often face jail time, the loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates, and dozens of other unanticipated expenses—including attorney’s fees, court costs, car towing, repairs, and lost work time.

• Refuse a sobriety test in many jurisdictions and you can lose your license on the spot. Your car may also be impounded.

• Remember, too, there are also many intangible costs of impaired driving crashes or arrests including the embarrassment and humiliation of informing family, friends and employers.

Don’t ever get behind a wheel of a vehicle when you are impaired. Preventative measures for drinking, driving and riding this holiday season:

• If you are planning to drink alcohol with friends, designate a sober driver before going out and give that person your keys;

• If impaired, call a taxi, use mass transit, call a sober friend or family member, or use your community’s Sober Rides program.

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.

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Safe Communities Program Releases Richland County Traffic Fatalities Update: One for November
December 2, 2008 —The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition reports that for the month of November there was one traffic death in Richland County. There have been fourteen (14) county traffic fatalities for 2008 through eleven (11) months.
This compares with thirteen (13) county traffic fatalities for 2007 and eight traffic fatalities through 11 month in 2006 and 2005. There were also a total of 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 14 fatalities this year cost Richland County a total of $46,709,432.
December is National Drunk & Drugged Driver (3D) Prevention Month. According to Ohio State Patrol, in December 2007, 992 people were killed 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.
*Source: The Economic Impact of Motor Vehicle Crashes 2002, NHTSA, DOT HS 809 446

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Top Winter Driving Tip?: Slow Down!
November 25, 2008 — 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 above) 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

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BUCKLE UP EVERY TRIP, EVERY TIME, THIS THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
Posted November 11, 2008 — The Thanksgiving holiday should be a joyous time for all families in America, but far too often the celebration turns to tragedy on the nation’s highways.
“I urge everyone driving on our state’s roads this holiday period to drive carefully, don’t drive impaired and, most importantly, buckle up each and every trip, night or day,” 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.
Nationally, during the Thanksgiving holiday period in 2006, 457 passenger vehicle occupants died in motor vehicle traffic crashes, including 188 during daylight hours and 266 during night time (three deaths were unknown regarding time).
Nighttime is one of the more dangerous times on the road because seat belt use is lower. Of the 266 nighttime Thanksgiving passenger vehicle occupant deaths nationally in 2006, well over half (138) died with their seat belts unfastened (where seat belt use was known); while almost half of the daytime deaths were not wearing seat belts.
“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 two seconds to buckle a seat belt is truly senseless,” said Dorgan.
Regular seat belt use is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes, according to NHTSA. Research has shown that when lap and shoulder belts are used properly, the risk of fatal injury to front seat passengers is reduced by 45 percent, and the risk of moderate to serious injury is reduced by 50 percent.
“If you fail to buckle up during this holiday period, you run the risk of getting a ticket, or worse, getting killed or injured,” Dorgan warned. “Make sure the only belt you unbuckle this Thanksgiving is the one at the dinner table, not the one in your vehicle.”
For more information about highway safety during Thanksgiving, please visit www.nhtsa.gov.

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Safe Communities Program Releases Richland County Traffic Fatalities Update: None for October
November 5, 2008 —The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition reports that for the month of October there were no traffic deaths in Richland County. There were three traffic fatalities in Richland County in October of 2007.
There have been 13 county traffic fatalities for 2008 through ten months. This compares with 12 traffic fatalities in 2007 and 2004, seven traffic fatalities in 2006 and six traffic fatalities in 2005 through 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 13 fatalities this year have cost Richland County a total of $43,373,044.
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 2007, more than half of the 457 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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NO SCARY DRIVING THIS HALLOWEEN - Keep Trick or Treaters Safe
Posted October 16, 2008 — On Halloween, your neighborhood will literally be swarming with children, and it’s your job to be sure they take their treats home safely. Trick-or-treating, a fun-filled activity that little ghosts and goblins look forward to each October, can quickly turn into a night of horror if someone is hurt.
For motorists, the scariest part of Halloween are children dressed in dark colors and in costumes that cover their eyes out walking on streets and roadways at dusk when many adults are still driving home from work.
Sadly, Halloween is a dangerous night. While excited trick-or-treaters may forget the rules of the road and be oblivious to the hazards, we, as motorists must be vigilant. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) found that the number of deaths among young pedestrians (ages 5-14) is four times higher on Halloween evening than any other evening of the year.
Data from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) shows that:
• Fatal collisions between motor vehicles and young pedestrians (under 15 years of age) happen most frequently between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. — prime trick-or-treating time.
• 84% of deaths among young pedestrians occurred at non-intersection locations (indicating children are most likely to dart and dash from mid-block into the street).
Halloween driving “tricks” to keep everyone safe
• To help everyone bring home treats — not tragedies — follow these tips for a safe Halloween:
• Don't use a cell phone while driving through neighborhoods. A single distraction could lead to a tragedy.
• Stay well below the posted speed limit.
• Pay attention to what's happening on sidewalks and roadways. Watch for children darting across streets, especially between parked cars.
• Be extra alert when pulling in and out of driveways.
• Do not assume children can see you or are paying attention. You need to take that responsibility.
• Drivers should also check that all lights on their car work.
• Do not pass other vehicles that have stopped in the roadway. They could be dropping off children.
• If you're driving a group of children, but staying in the running vehicle at the curb, be sure to put on your hazard lights to alert other motorists.
• And if you're driving to a Halloween party, put that mask on after you park the car.
Parents can help motorists, too:
• Make sure drivers can see the children. Give them flashlights and glow sticks. Dress kids in bright, reflective clothing or use reflective tape on their costumes.
• Use makeup, rather than masks, so children have a clear, unobstructed view of their surroundings.
• Be sure children know how to cross a street -- look left, right and left again before crossing.
• Instruct children to stay on sidewalks and to cross only at corners or crosswalks.
• Accompany your children as they trick or treat.

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DRUNK DRIVING & HALLOWEEN
Don't Let Your Good Times Turn into a Nightmare
Posted October 14, 2008 — Halloween is a much-loved fall tradition that is enjoyed by people of all ages. But irresponsible celebrating can quickly spoil a fun evening. That is why state and local law enforcement will be out in full force this Halloween cracking down on drunk drivers with an aggressive Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. enforcement blitz.

Halloween should be a time for scary costumes, trick or treating with the kids and good family fun. But unfortunately, Halloween has also become a very dangerous and deadly night of the year due to impaired driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 44 percent of all highway fatalities across the nation on Halloween night (6 pm Oct. 31 to 5:59 am Nov. 1) involved a driver or a motorcycle rider with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, which is illegal in every state.

Drunk driving is one of America’s deadliest problems. In 2007, there were 15,054 alcohol-related crashes in Ohio. There were 473 Ohioans 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.

For a safer Halloween weekend, the Richland County Safe Communities Coalition recommends these simple tips:

• 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;

Real-life Halloween nightmares are simple to avoid if you make smart decisions. Never drive drunk. Designate your sober driver in advance. No exceptions. No excuses. Remember, Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.

For more information, please visit www.StopImpairedDriving.org.

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Safe Communities Program Releases Richland County Traffic Fatalities Update: None for September
October 4, 2008 —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 deaths in September of 2007.
There have been 13 county traffic fatalities for 2008 through nine months, five of which occurred in a single vehicle crash. This compares with nine traffic fatalities in 2007, six traffic fatalities 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 13 fatalities this year have cost Richland County a total of $43,373,044.
October is the perfect time to remind Richland County drivers to be aware of the increased presence of deer on the roadway. In 2007, nearly one half of the 26,304 deer-related crashes in Ohio occurred between October and December. Crashes involving animals killed 10 Ohio motor vehicle occupants and injured 991 others.
In 2007, Richland County had the third most deer-vehicle crashes in the State with 571 incidents. 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

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Safe Communities Program Releases Richland County Traffic Fatalities Update: One for August, 2008
September 5, 2008 —The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition reports that for the month of August there was one traffic death in Richland County. This compares with two traffic fatalities in August of 2007.
There have been 13 county traffic fatalities for 2008 through eight months, five of which occurred in a single vehicle crash. This compares with 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 13 fatalities this year have cost Richland County a total of $43,373,044.
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 must stop at school cross walks when pedestrians are present. State law requires all vehicles on roads with three of fewer lanes to stop at least ten feet from the front and 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.

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

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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.

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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

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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)

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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.

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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.