Wayne County sees one traffic fatality in November; officials urge focus on distracted driving

So far this November, the Ohio State Highway Patrol reported a total of 94 motor vehicle crashes investigated in Wayne County. Of the 94 crashes investigated, Wayne County experienced one fatality. So far this year, Wayne County has experienced 1,848 crashes, with 68 of those involving distracted driving, resulting in two fatalities.

“To date, in the month of November, Wayne County experienced three crashes where distracted driving was involved including a fatal crash,” said Hope Griffin, Safe Communities coordinator for the Wayne County Health Department. “One of the Safe Communities’ top priorities includes eliminating distracted driving in Wayne County through continued education and enforcement and to reduce deaths and serious injuries caused by distracted driving.”

Led by the Safe Communities coordinator at the Wayne County Health Department, the Safe Communities Coalition conducts traffic safety media campaigns, coordinates community events and activities, and distributes educational materials to increase traffic safety awareness and 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.

The Safe Communities program's efforts are funded by a grant from the Ohio Traffic Safety Office. For more information about OTSO and statewide efforts to improve safety on Ohio’s roadways, visit otso.ohio.gov/.