Wood County Safe Communities announced today that there have been five fatal crashes in Wood County for calendar year 2017, compared to four for the same time frame in 2016.
At some point, you have probably seen someone driving distracted; it’s pretty easy to spot. You may even be guilty of distracted driving yourself. With so many people constantly tuned in to their smartphones, texting from behind the wheel is all too common, but it is one of the most common causes of fatalities on the roads.
That’s why Safe Communities of Wood County is teaming up with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to reach all drivers with an important warning: U Drive. U Text. U Pay.
According to NHTSA, in 2015 3,477 people were killed, and an estimated 391,000 were injured, in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers. That was a 9-percent increase in fatalities as compared to the previous year.
Everyone knows that texting while driving is distracting and dangerous, but people often ignore the risks and do it anyway. Driving while distracted is more than just personally risky. When you text and drive, you become a danger to everyone on the road around you.
Remind your family and friends to never text and drive:
- No one likes criticism from a friend, but being caught by law enforcement and paying a fine is even worse.
- Do not follow the pack, be a leader. When you get behind the wheel, be an example to your family and friends by putting away your phone.
- Speak up: If your friends text while driving, tell them to stop. Listen to your passengers; if they catch you texting while driving, put away your phone.
Texting while driving is dangerous and being caught can be expensive. Save your money, and maybe save a life—your text message can wait. Remember: U Drive. U Text. U Pay.
For More Information:
- William Bowers, Ohio State Highway Patrol: 419-352-2481
- Sandy Wiechman, Safe Communities Coordinator: 419-372-9353 or swiechm@bgsu.edu