Category Archives: Safe Communities

Safe Driving Tips

Press Releases, RecWell, Safe Communities

Safe Communities announced today that there have been zero fatal crashes in Wood County this year compared to four at this time last year.

Rear-end and fixed object crashes are the major causes of crashes in Wood County.  Common factors that contribute to these type of collisions include:

  • Aggressive or reckless driving.
  • Texting and driving.
  • Driver fatigue.
  • Negligence while driving through intersections, parking lots, and highway ramps.
  • Failure to follow the rules of the road.

You can prevent these crashes by remembering these simple rules:

  • Look further up the road to spot traffic stopping long before the vehicle in front of you slams on its brakes.
  • Stay focused on your driving
  • Leave 2-3 vehicle lengths between you and the car in front of you, and more at higher rates of speed
  • Do not drive in excess of the speed limit
  • Do not drive drowsy or impaired
  • If there is poor visibility be cautious and drive within your abilities.

Let’s strive for zero fatal crashes in 2018.

For More Information:

  • Angel Burgos, Ohio State Highway Patrol: 419-352-2481
  • Sandy Wiechman, Safe Communities Coordinator:
    419-372-9353 or swiechm@bgsu.edu

Halloween Traffic Safety Tips

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

Safe Communities of Wood County announced today that the annual safe driving Halloween National Mobilization is October 31, to November 1, 2017.

Halloween is a time for making memories, not causing nightmares. This Halloween, Safe Communities of Wood County would like to remind everyone to party responsibly and to stay safe – and help keep others safe – by refraining from drunk driving.

Per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 45 percent of all people killed in motor vehicle crashes on Halloween were in crashes involving a drunk driver. Children out trick-or-treating are also at risk, as 36 percent of fatal pedestrian crashes on Halloween involve drunk drivers.

We ask that you follow these simple tips for a safe and happy Halloween:

  • Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation to get home safely.
  • Download NHTSA’s SaferRide mobile app, or another taxi service app, like Uber or Lyft, so you can easily find a safe ride home.
  • If you suspect a drunk driver on the road, pull over to a safe location and contact your local law enforcement or call #677 and report it.
  • Have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and arrange to get your friend home safely.

For More Information:

  • Angel Burgos, Ohio State Highway Patrol: 419-352-2481
  • Sandy Wiechman, Safe Communities Coordinator:

419-372-9353 or swiechm@bgsu.edu

September Focuses on Child Passenger Safety and Commercial Vehicle Awareness

Press Releases, RecWell, Safe Communities

Wood County Safe Communities announced today that there have been 10 fatal crashes in Wood County compared to 9 through this same period last year.

September 10-16, 2017 is National Commercial Vehicle Appreciation Week. Please take a moment to honor all professional drivers for their hard work and commitment in tackling one of the economy’s most demanding and important jobs. These men and women are not only doing their jobs but also working to keep our highways safe.

Also, September 17-23, 2017 is Child Passenger Safety Seat Awareness week.  In Wood County, there has been a fatality involving a child under the age of 13 in calendar year 2017. It is essential for parents to make sure child safety equipment in their vehicles is current with state and federal regulations and installed properly. 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 and used correctly. Residents of Wood County are encouraged to contact either Wood County Hospital or Safe Kids of Greater Toledo to schedule a car seat inspection.

For More Information:

  • Lt. Angel Burgos, Ohio State Highway Patrol: 419-352-2481
  • Sandy Wiechman, Safe Communities Coordinator:
  • 419-372-9353 or swiechm@bgsu.ed

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over KickOff

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, RecWell, Safe Communities

WHEN: Thursday, August 17, 2017

WHAT: 5:00 pm NEWS CONFERENCE – Annual kickoff to the national mobilization for the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign.

WHERE: American Legion Post #183 Circle Drive, 405 E. Front Street, Pemberville OH  43450

*Note:  kickoff is during the Pemberville Free Fair

After the news conference, attendees have the opportunity to experience wearing Fatal Vision Goggles to simulate various levels of intoxication and the effect it has on the body. Law enforcement officials will be on hand to explain OVI laws and the consequences of driving a motor vehicle impaired.

For More Information:

  • Angel Burgos, Ohio State Highway Patrol: 419-352-2481
  • Sandy Wiechman, Safe Communities Coordinator:
    419-372-9353 or swiechm@bgsu.edu

Annual Traffic Crash Statistics through July 2017

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

Wood County Safe Communities announced today that there have been 8 fatal crashes in Wood County compared to 9 at this same time last year.

August is back to school month for local school districts and higher education facilities in Wood County.  When travelling rural roads, please be attentive to school buses in the area picking up and dropping of their precious cargo.  Watch for increased traffic in the area of school buildings and be mindful of the 20 mph school zone speed limit during restricted times.

Owens Community College begins the fall semester on August 21.  Watch for increased traffic on Oregon Road with students entering and exiting campus.  Students and staff of the college are reminder to be mindful of congestion in parking lots and be aware of your surroundings.  These times can help prevent the high number of crashes that occur in in college parking lots.

Bowling Green State University (BGSU) classes also begin August 21.  Wooster Street is the main thoroughfare to enter the campus statistics show a high volume of crashes from 11am to 6 pm.  Most crashes occur on Friday but all drivers are reminded when attending events at BGSU, to be aware of the high volume of traffic and to travel these areas with caution.

Let’s make this back to school season the safest in history!!

For More Information:

  • Angel Burgos, Ohio State Highway Patrol: 419-352-2481
  • Sandy Wiechman, Safe Communities Coordinator:

419-372-9353 or swiechm@bgsu.edu