Safe Communities report: Wayne County records one traffic fatality in September

In September so far, the Ohio State Highway Patrol reported a total of 91 motor vehicle crashes investigated in Wayne County. Of the 91 crashes investigated, Wayne County experienced one fatality. So far this year, Wayne County has experienced 1,460 crashes. Of these, 39 of the crashes were alcohol-related, with alcohol being involved in three of the four traffic fatalities so far this year.

“To date in the month of September, Wayne County saw three crashes where drivers were under the influence including a fatal crash,” said Hope Griffin, Safe Communities coordinator for the Wayne County Health Department. “One of Safe Communities’ top priorities is to eliminate intoxicated/impaired driving in Wayne County through continued education and enforcement and to reduce deaths and serious injuries caused by driving under the influence.”

Led by the Safe Communities coordinator at the Wayne County Health Department, the Safe Communities Coalition conducts traffic-safety media campaigns, coordinates events and activities, and distributes educational materials to help prevent fatal traffic crashes and injuries from occurring in the county. The coalition also focuses on educating the driving population of Wayne County about impaired driving, seat belt use, distracted driving, and motorcycle awareness.

The Wayne County Health Department is looking for safety and community partners to join the Safe Communities Coalition. For more information or interest in joining the coalition, call or email Griffin at 330-264-9590 or hgriffin@wayne-health.org.

Efforts of the Safe Communities Program are funded through a grant from the Ohio Traffic Safety Office. For more information about OTSO and statewide efforts to improve safety on Ohio’s roadways, visit www.otso.ohio.gov/.