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

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

PRESS RELEASE – July 2, 2015

Wood County Safe Communities announced today that there have been 6 fatal crashes this year to date, an increase of 2 from this time last year. Statistics relating to commercial vehicle accidents and fatalities within Wood County from 2014 in comparison to 2013 were also released.

In 2014, there were 602 total crashes involving commercial vehicles in Wood County, accounting for 10.02% of the total accidents in the county. This is up from 2013 where 400 total commercial vehicle crashes were reported, representing 7.94% of the total accidents in the jurisdiction. In 2014, 486 crashes involved trucks, 278 (57.2%) of which were caused by truck drivers. In 2013, 305 crashes involved trucks, 174 (57.0%) of which were caused by the truck driver.

Wood County Safe Communities encourages all motor vehicle operators, including commercial vehicle operators, to refrain from distracted driving including texting, using social media, consuming food and beverage, applying health and beauty products, and other activities while behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. In addition, Wood County Safe Communities urges all motorists to use extreme caution and best safety practices at all times to ensure the safety of self and others.

For More Information:

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