All posts by lona

About lona

BGSU Recreation and Wellness, Assistant Director

Mock Crash Educates BGSU Community

RecWell, Safe Communities, WellAware, Wellness Connection

Friday, October 24, 2015 – Mock OVI Car Crash

This exercise was a realistic scene of a crash involving an intoxicated driver. Police departments, fire/EMS, and an air ambulance responded as they do to an actual real life emergency.  The scenario involved two cars who “collide” as a result of an intoxicated driver. This mock demonstration educated BGSU students on the dangers of drinking and driving and how it affects lives.

Participating agencies:

  • BGSU Police
  • Bowling Green Police Department
  • Bowling Green Fire and EMS
  • Wood County Safe Communities Coalition members
  • Hanneman Funeral Home
  • Life Flight (Coordinated by BG Fire/EMS)
  • BG Towing and Recovery
  • Wood County Hospital

For More Information:
Sandy Wiechman, Safe Communities Coordinator
swiechma@bgsu.edu | 419.372.9353

Halloween Traffic Safety Mobilization

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, Press Releases, RecWell, Safe Communities, WellAware, Wellness Connection

Safe Communities of Wood County announced today that the annual safe driving  Halloween National Mobilization is October 25-November 1, 2015.

Halloween means parties, and parties can encourage alcohol consumption. Because of this, Safe Communities of Wood County is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for The Halloween National Mobilization. “Drinking and driving is deadly, it is illegal, and it will get you pulled over and arrested this Halloween,” said Safe Communities Coordinator, Sandy Wiechman. “If you want to stay safe and out of jail this Halloween, make a plan to get home without driving if you’ve been drinking. Planning for a safe ride home needs to be part of everyone’s Halloween party preparations.” Safe Communities of Wood County recommends that residents follow these tips to help ensure their own safety, and the safety of others this Halloween:

* Designate a sober driver, take public transportation, a car service, or a call a sober friend of family member to get you home if you’ve been drinking.

* If you see someone you think is about to drive while impaired, take their keys and help them get home safely.

Besides the dangers of driving under the influence, drunk driving is a crime. Offenders can face jail time, the loss of a driver’s license, and pay around $10,000 due to higher insurance rates, attorney fees, court costs, car towing and repairs, and lost wages due to time off work.

Halloween is a fun event that encompasses the entire county, and drunk driving effects not only other drivers, but pedestrians as well. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reports that October 31 is traditionally one of the most dangerous nights of the year, because of the deadly combination of alcohol and increased pedestrian traffic. In Wood County last year, there were no crashes involving pedestrians on Halloween. This trend is something Safe Communities of Wood County would like to replicate. Do your part this Halloween by not driving impaired and, as a driver or pedestrian, remain alert for drunk drivers and report any suspicious behavior to local law enforcement.

Always remember to drive sober or get pulled over!

For More Information:

Lt. Jerrod Savidge, 419-352-2481
Safe Communities Coordinator, Sandy Wiechman
419-372-9353 or swiechm@bgsu.edu

Teen Driver Safety Week

Distracted Driving, Press Releases, RecWell, Safe Communities

Safe Communities of Wood County announced today that there have been 14 fatal crashes in Wood County, compared to 8 at this time last year. This is an increase of 6 crashes to date.

October 18-24, 2015 is National Teen Driver Safety Awareness Week. “The fatal crash rate for drivers ages 16 to 19, based on miles driven, is four times higher than for drivers ages 25 to 69”, Safe Communities Coordinator Sandy Wiechman said. “We are hoping that Teen Driver Safety Week gets the word out to parents of teens, that it is never too early to start the discussion with their young driver about distracted and impaired driving”. We encourage parents to establish a safety contract with their teens in regards to distracted and impaired driving. Materials for a safety contract can be found at www.distraction.gov or www.impactteendrivers.org.

In Wood County last year, in 72.6% of crashes involving teens between 15-19 years of age, the teen driver was found to be in error. It is important that parents discuss the danger of the roadways with young drivers, and emphasize the importance of not driving distracted or impaired. Teens are encouraged to report any suspicious activity they see on the roads to local law enforcement agencies.

For More Information:

  • Jerrod Savidge, 419-352-2481
  • Safe Communities Coordinator, Sandy Wiechman
  • 419-372-9353 or swiechm@bgsu.edu

Health Fair and Farmers Market October 6

Events and Updates, RecWell, Student Recreation Center, Upcoming Events, WellAware, Wellness Connection

Plan ahead to “Come on Down” to the annual Health Fair and Farmers Market. Enjoy free food samples and shop for fresh produce and other health related items from local vendors. Activities at the event are geared specially toward BGSU affiliates and this is a great opportunity to find all of your health and wellness related items in one location, and  on the BGSU campus!

Date: Tuesday, October 6
Time: 11 AM – 2 PM
Location: Bowen-Thompson Student Union | Lenhart Grand Ballroom
FREE and Open to Students, Faculty, Staff and Community Members
Accepting Cash, Credit, Falcon Dollars and BG1

Event Activities:
Interactive Health and Wellness Displays
Fitness Demonstrations
Free Health Information
Giveaways
Food Samples
Raffle Prizes: $100.00 Grand Prize

Sponsored By:
BGSU Recreation and Wellness
BGSU Dining
BGSU Human Resources
Falcon Health Center
Wood County Hospital

For More Information:
Terry Carver, 419.372.7487

Child Passenger Safety Seat Awareness Week

Press Releases, Safe Communities, WellAware

 

September 13-19, 2015 is Child Passenger Safety Seat Awareness week. In Wood County, there were no fatalities involving children under the age of 13 in calendar year 2014. Child safety seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71 percent for infants and by 54 percent for toddlers. Car seats are most effective when installed properly in your vehicle and used correctly.

It is essential for parents to make sure their child safety equipment in their vehicles is current with state and federal regulations and is installed properly. Residents of Wood County are encouraged to contact either Wood County Hospital or Safe Kids of Greater Toledo to schedule a car seat inspection.

On Saturday, September 19, 2015, Thayer Chevrolet is hosting a Child Safety Seat Checkup Event starting at 10:00 am. Call Safe Kids of Greater Toledo at 419-219-5993 to schedule an appointment. You can also call Wood County Hospital Obstetrics Department at 419-354-8900 to schedule an appointment at any time.

For More Information:

  • Jerrod Savidge, 419-352-2481
  • Safe Communities Coordinator, Sandy Wiechman
    419-372-9353 or swiechm@bgsu.edu