In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has become synonymous with festive fiestas and salty margaritas. Historically, the fifth of May commemorates Mexico’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. There’s no victory when partygoers drink and drive.
In 2014, there were 343 crash fatalities during the Cinco de Mayo holiday weekend (6 p.m. May 2 to 5:59 a.m. May 6). One out of these three people lost their lives in the drunk-driving crashes. 116 people could be alive today if Cinco de Mayo partygoer had designated sober drivers.
Over the 2014 Cinco de Mayo holiday period, almost one-fifth (18%) of drivers in fatal crashes had BACs of .15 or higher which is almost twice the legal limit in every states.
Twenty-five percent of drivers in 2014 Cinco de Mayo holiday fatal crashes had BACs of .08 or higher. During this same weekend, only 70 percent of drivers in fatal crashes were completely sober (with .00 BAC).
Cinco de Mayo holiday period drunk-driving fatalities have decreased slightly from 90 in 2012 (45% of all crash fatalities), to 65 in 2013 (40% of all crash fatalities), to 33 people in 2014 (33% of all crash fatalities).
Do your part to make your Cinco de Mayo safe. Designate a driver, call a friend, or call a cab. Amigos don’t let Amigos drive drunk.
For More Information:
Ohio State Highway Patrol, Lt., Jerrod Savidge
419-352-2481
Wood County Safe Communities announced today there have been four fatal crashes compared to three last year at this time. This is an increase of one crash to date.
May is also Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Motorcyclists have all the same rights and privileges as any motor vehicle driver on the roadway. During Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May –and during the rest of the year –drivers of all motor vehicles are reminded to safely “share the road” with motorcyclists and to be extra alert to help keep motorcyclists safe.
In Wood County alone, helmet usage for persons involved in crashes was 52.5% percent in 2015. This is an increase from 2014, when the helmet use in crashes was 52.4%. However, the percentage of people injured in crashes has decreased from 100% in 2014, to 66% in 2015. With this in mind, it is essential now more than ever that motorcyclists wear a helmet. Always be aware of the presence of motorcycles.
For More Information:
Ohio State Highway Patrol, Lt. Jerrod Savidge, 419-352-2481
To help reduce the number crashes, especially fatal crashes, in Wood County, Safe Communities provides you with our top 10 tips to help keep drivers safe on the road.
10. Look out for pedestrians. Be cautious when driving near crosswalk, school zone, and high pedestrian locations. Familiarize yourself with the location of crosswalks and high traffic pedestrian areas.
9. Take a refresher course. There are opportunities for seniors and experienced drivers to take a refresher course to help ensure their family and friends that they are good to drive.
8. Drive defensively. Keep in mind other drivers and keep safe braking distances from the car in front of you. Remember if you are doubling speed the breaking distance becomes 4 times as far.
7. Look out for motorcycles. Even in cold weather, there are still motorcycles on the road! Be alert and aware of motorcycle riders.
6. Always be the driver you want your teen to be. Statistics show that your children start to learn how to drive, and your habits, from the time their car seat is moved to forward facing.
5. Know the restrictions on teen permits and license. Be familiar with the laws regarding teen drivers and make sure the teens follow theses laws while learning to drive.
4. Commercial motor vehicles are vital to our nation’s economy. While truck drivers do contribute to some traffic crashes, research shows that too many drivers of passenger cars unnecessarily endanger themselves by failing to recognize that trucks and cars differ in their handling characteristics.
3. Focus on driving. Driving is already multitasking don’t add more distractions. Eating, drinking, smoking, fixing hair or make-up, or using a cell phone should be avoided while driving. Hands free texting and calling is still distracting; use these devices sparingly.
2. Don’t drink and drive! If you are buzzed or have had too much to drink, call a friend, family member, or taxi to take you home.
Sam proudly posing in “his” new pool.University officials dedicate the Rec!
Dedication ceremonies were held on February 10, 1979 to celebrate the completion of the Student Recreation Center and to name the Samuel M. Cooper Pool.
The day’s events began shortly before noon, when guests first gathered on the balcony to enjoy a consommé appetizer followed by a luncheon in the Club Pool area. At the conclusion of the luncheon, the guests were directed to the activity center on the main level where the Student Recreation Center dedication ceremony was held at 1:30 PM.
Dr. Eakin, vice provost, began the ceremony by introducing each of the ribbon cutting participants. The ribbon cutters included University President Dr. Hollis A. Moore, Board of Trustees Chair John F. Lipaj, Board of Trustees member Albert Dyckes, and Undergraduate Student Representative Frank Aveni. Following the ribbon cutting, keys to the facility were presented to Student Recreation Center Director Ben McGuire and John F. Lipaj by Thomas T. K. Zung, architect, and Art Carter, representative of the general contractor, Mosser Construction Co. in Fremont, OH.
Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, guests were directed to the Olympic-sized swimming pool area to take part in a ceremony commemorating the naming of the pool in honor of Dr. Samuel M. Cooper. During his career at BGSU, Dr. Cooper served as chairman of the Health and Physical Education Department and was also the University swim coach.
More than 100 of “Sam’s Swimmers” and divers attended the dedication ceremony, and were identified by orange signs around their necks containing their name, graduation year, and the words “here to dedicate Coach Sam Cooper Pool and real proud of it.” In addition, approximately 10 swimming coaches associated with Dr. Cooper were present.
Through the combined efforts of pledges and contributions from former swimmers and University alumni, the alumni scoreboard in the Cooper Pool area was purchased. About $28,000 in pledges and contributions were raised, allowing the University to purchase a scoreboard that was much more elaborate than what the Student Recreation Center budget would have allowed.
To begin the ceremony President Moore spoke about the importance of the pool from the standpoint of University administration. Next, Albert Dyckes shared his memories as a former student of Dr. Cooper. Tom Stubbs then spoke as a colleague and fellow swimming coach. Finally, Robert Frary spoke on behalf of the alumni and made a presentation of a facsimile of a plaque with the names of the people who donated to the Sam Cooper Scoreboard.
To conclude the ceremony Mr. Dyckes and Mr. Stubbs presented a plaque to Dr. Cooper, and Dr. Cooper gave a short speech. Known for never being at a loss for words, the planning committee noted in the event schedule that “if he [Dr. Cooper] exceeds that time [5 minutes], he will be pushed into the Pool.”
All month long, join us for these great events & programs and get your heart pounding!
POUND® – This Thursday Rockout & Workout!
A cardio jam session inspired by energizing and sweat-dripping fun of playing the drums! Using lightly weighted drumsticks engineered specifically for exercising, POUND® transforms drumming into an incredibly effective way of working out. Instead of listening to music, you become the music in this exhilarating full-body workout that combines cardio, conditioning, and strength training with yoga and pilates-inspired movements. Learn more about the workout HERE.
February 4 from 8:15-9:00 PM in Studio B
FREE for Group X members, $5 for non-member
Guest Instructor: Nancy Fisher, certified POUND® Pro
*Get there early, class is limited to 50 participants.
FREE Passport to Fitness Program – Begins February 8
Looking for extra motivation to help you achieve your fitness goals? Join the 4-week Passport to Fitness program and add some fun and adventure to your workout routine. Plus, earn the chance to win great prizes! This challenge is free for all Group X members and current personal training clients and runs from February 8 – March 4.
Participating is as easy as 1,2,3!
Starting February 8, pick up a passport in any of the Group X Studios or Personal Training Office
Earn a “stamp” in your passport for working out! Group X members receive a stamp for every class they attend and personal training clients receive a stamp for each exercise session they complete with their trainer and on their own.
Receive 10 stamps and be entered into a drawing for great raffle prizes such as a free massage. Top participants with the most stamps win a Falcon Fitness Champ T-Shirt.
WERQ Dance Fitness Class
Bring your friends and enjoyTHIS fiercely fun dance fitness class based on pop, rock and hip hop music.
Friday, February 19 at 7:00 PM in Studio B
FREE for all students, faculty/staff and community members
Themed class: 80’s Cycle
Join Taylor and cycle to the greatest 80s music. Lace up your sneakers, put on your leg warmers and get ready to sweat to the oldies!
Wednesday, February 24 from 12:00-12:45 PM in Studio A
FREE for Group X members, $5 for non-member
February Personal Training Special!
Looking for a great Valentine’s Day gift? Or are you and a friend trying to get in shape this spring and would like a little extra help? Take advantage of the February promotion and register for a partner personal training package! Package includes a free 30-minute consultation and three one-hour training sessions for two people for only $75. Pair with a significant other, friend, roommate or family member and get in shape together!
Offer valid through February 29. Packages can be purchased at the SRC Welcome Desk. For more information, contact Kali Morgenstern at kalim@bgsu.edu.
