TrafficWise - November 5, 2018

Ohio State Highway Patrol sent this bulletin at 11/05/2018 12:31 PM EST

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November 5, 2018

FATAL CRASHES 2018 YEAR TO DATE MAP can be found here.
FATAL COMPARISON MAP can be found here.

Seat Belt Survey

The “Observational Survey of Seat Belt Use in Ohio – 2018” collected a total of 48,371 occupant observations, including 39,524 vehicles with 8,847 passengers. The reported post-intervention (Click It or Ticket” results include 24,462 occupants comprising 19,829 vehicles with 4,633 passengers. A total of 233 sites across 57 counties were included. Post intervention observed rate for 2018 was 84.90%.

In previous studies, Ohio has traditionally trailed behind the national average compliance rate. Since 1998, Ohio has averaged a compliance rate that is 3.23% lower than the national average. The 2018 compliance rate in Ohio (84.90%) is 4.80% lower than the national average (89.70%) in 2017.

Note: According to Ohio law, every driver and front seat passenger must wear a seat belt. Seat belts are a secondary offense in Ohio which means meaning the driver must be pulled over for committing a moving violation to be cited for failure to wear a seat belt.

The 2018 Survey can be found here.

UPDATED OHIO CRASH REPORT FORM (OH-1)

To comply with federal guidelines, the Ohio Department of Public Safety has made revisions to the Ohio Uniform Crash Report (OH-1) for 2019. Agencies that are submitting crashes electronically, will want to ensure their crash vendor is aware of the changes. We have identified most crash vendors and provided them the programming guidelines; however, there could be a possibility we have missed someone. Agencies that submit paper, will want to send an order request to the Traffic Statistics Office no later than December 15^th to ensure delivery is made prior to the January 1^st deadline. The order form is available on the ODPS website.

To view a draft copy of the new 2019 Crash Report click here. The manual is currently being drafted and will be posted to the ODPS website in the near future. Please contact traffstats@dps.ohio.gov if you have any questions.

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY TRAVEL - NOVEMBER 22

Buckle Up - Every Trip. Every Time.

Thanksgiving weekend, millions will hit the roads, eager to spend time with family and friends. It’s one of the busiest travel times of the year, and unfortunately more people on the roadways means the potential for more vehicle crashes.

During the 2016 Thanksgiving weekend (6 p.m. Wednesday, November 23, to 5:59 a.m. Monday, November 28), 341 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes nationwide. Tragically, 49% of those killed were not buckled up, representing an increase in seat belt use compared to the same weekend in 2015, when 52% of those killed in traffic crashes were unrestrained.

Nighttime proved even more deadly, with 55% of Thanksgiving weekend crashes occurring at night. Much like drunk driving, these deaths represent needless tragedies for families across America. These deaths could have been completely prevented with the simple click of a seat belt. Research shows that wearing a seat belt is one of the simplest things you can do to stay safe when you’re traveling in a vehicle, especially during busy travel periods like Thanksgiving.

Use these social norming marketing tools, which can be distributed to fit your local needs and objectives. These materials can help partner your office with other States, communities, and organizations on this seat belt safety initiative.

For Thanksgiving Weekend seat belt enforcement (CIOT) campaign material, click here.
Information on this campaign can be found by clicking here.
Click here for a local version of a media release, talking points and a public service announcement.

OHIO STATE VS. THAT TEAM UP NORTH NOVEMBER 24

When the Big Game kicks off, will you be prepared for party victory? Whether you’re the home team or a visitor, every Big Game party game plan must start with a shutdown defense that prevents drunk driving.

Drunk driving kills. In 2017, there were 297 fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes involving drunk drivers in Ohio. You know that many Big Game parties will involve alcohol, so play it smart by having a winning game plan in place to not drink and drive.
We will all win on Big Game Saturday if we follow these keys to the game:

Know the Rules: It’s illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. When it comes to drinking and driving, law enforcement doesn’t throw a yellow flag; they throw the book at you. You’ll get pulled over, arrested, and prosecuted. Your wallet takes a big hit, too: the average DUI court case costs approximately $10,000.

Play It Safe: Defenses win championships; your best defense is to plan a safe ride. From buses and trains to car services and designated drivers, connect with the option that will get you home safely.

Be a Party MVP: Volunteer to be a designated driver. Let your team know that you’ll be there for them when the party’s over with a safe, sober ride home.

If You’ve Been Drinking, You’re Benched: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. There’s no place on the road for anyone who has been drinking. If someone tries to drive after drinking, tell them to ride the bench until you help them find a sober ride home. If you’re hosting the party, you’re the head coach. Make the right call: take their keys before they drink and drive.

We’re all on the same team when it comes to preventing drunk driving. And, however you or your guests travel on Big Game Saturday, always buckle up. Your seat belt is your best defense in any vehicle crash.

We hope it’s a great game and that you enjoy it—safely—with friends and family. Remember: Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.

Click here for a local version of a media release, talking points and a public service announcement.

HOLIDAY SEASON - IMPAIRED DRIVING NOVEMBER 23 - DECEMBER 12

The holidays are known for being merry and bright, but they’re also known for being the deadliest season when it comes to drunk driving. Every holiday season, lives are lost due to drunk drivers.

Use these social norming marketing tools, which can be distributed to fit your local needs and objectives. These materials will partner your office with other States, communities, and organizations on this drunk driving prevention initiative

For enforcement [Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over] campaign materials, please click here.

For Drunk Driving | Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving campaign materials, please click here.

Click here for a local version of a media release, talking points and a public service announcement.

TRAINING COURSES OFFERED

Drug Recognition Expert Program

The DRE Program is a traffic safety program that focuses on the detection, apprehension and adjudication of drug-impaired drivers.

A Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) is a law enforcement officer highly trained to recognize impairment in drivers under the influence of drugs other than, or in addition to, alcohol.

For more information, upcoming training dates and how to apply for this free training, please view the DRE Application by clicking here and School Information and upcoming classes by clicking here.

Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE)

ARIDE Classes are being offered free of charge through the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy

Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) provides officers with general knowledge related to drug impaired driving and to promote the use of Drug Recognition Experts (DRE). Law enforcement officers will learn to observe, identify and articulate the signs of impairment related to drugs, alcohol, or a combination of both, in order to reduce the number of impaired driving crashes.

For upcoming classes and how to register click here.

Reminder to all Intoxilyzer 8000 Operators

PARTNERING SUCCESS STORY

Please complete your annual proficiency test. Instructions for the proficiency test are found on the Ohio Department of Health, Alcohol and Drug Testing website, under the Publications and Forms heading.

If you are unsure if you have conducted a successful breath alcohol test or proficiency on the I-8000 this year (BrAC result reported, no exceptions occurred), please do a proficiency test as soon as possible. The OAC deadline for an I-8000 proficiency is December 31, however the earlier the program receives a proficiency, the better. You may use any I-8000 in Ohio to complete the proficiency test.

Please remember to check your emails. A failed proficiency test will result in an email for the person or to their department if an email address can be found by ODH. Contact for Ohio Highway Patrol personnel will made through their dps.ohio.gov address for return email address. Troopers should especially check their emails for failed proficiency test.

Please don’t hesitate to contact Ray Scharf or Jeanna Walock if you have questions. BADT@odh.ohio.gov or (614) 644-4609.

Butler County Safe Communities partnered with the Safety Council of Southwestern Ohio, Coalition for a Healthy Middletown, Envision Partnerships, Fairfield Prevention Coalition and Butler County Coalition to get 10 billboards that will be letting Butler County drivers know that if they drive high, they will get an OVI! Billboards will be displayed for two months. Local drug free coalitions have been assessing resident perceptions in regards to marijuana and found that nearly half do not think marijuana use impairs driving. The billboards are the beginning of community efforts to educate children and adults about the risks of marijuana use, including marijuana as medicine.

For additional information please contact Kristy Duritsch - Butler County Safe Communities at kristy@safetycouncilswohio.org or by phone at (513) 423-9758.

TRAFFIC SAFETY MATERIALS

OTSO offers materials for numerous traffic safety campaigns, including impaired driving, restraint usage, distracted driving, and motorcycles. Utilizing the numerous materials found here can make an impact that will reach beyond your community. By raising public awareness YOU can help save lives. The order form can be found by clicking here.