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October 18, 2021

Year-to-Date Confirmed Traffic Fatalities, Current versus 2020 Traffic Fatalities

FATAL CRASHES 2021 YEAR TO DATE MAP can be found here.

FATAL COMPARISON MAP can be found here.

OHIO HEADS INTO PEAK TIME FOR DEER-RELATED CRASHES

COLUMBUS – AAA, The Ohio Department of Insurance, Ohio State Highway Patrol and Ohio Department of Natural Resources want to remind motorists of the increase in deer-related traffic crashes this time of year.

Since 2016, statistics from the Ohio State Highway Patrol show there were 100,672 deer-related crashes on Ohio’s roadways. While 95% of deer-related crashes only resulted in property damage, 27 crashes resulted in fatal injuries to motorists, with 28 killed. Additionally, nearly half (47%) of these crashes occurred in October, November, and December.

“As we enter the peak season for car-deer collisions in Ohio, I encourage drivers to use extra caution and slow down, especially at dawn or dusk when deer are more active,” said Governor DeWine. “A crash with a deer can be just as destructive as a crash with another vehicle, so it’s important that drivers remember to stay alert and watch out for animals crossing the road.”

Some of the top counties for deer-related crashes include Stark, Richland, Lorain, Trumbull, and Hancock with I-71, US-30 and I-80 being the leading roadways in the state.

“Always avoid distractions and keep your full focus on the roadway,” said Colonel Richard Fambro of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. “If you see a deer slow down, but do not swerve. If you strike a deer, move to a safe place if you are able, turn on your hazard lights, and report the crash.”

According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), deer become visibly active from late October through November. This is due in large part to the fall breeding season. While males pursue prospective mates throughout the season, they often encounter females that are not yet willing to breed, which can result in pursuits where deer will dart into roadways with little caution. This unpredictable movement leads to an increase in deer-related vehicle crashes. Drivers are encouraged to be extra cautious in areas where fencerows, riparian corridors, or other blocks of forested habitat intersect a roadway.

“As motorists have likely noticed, deer are very visible and active in the fall,” ODNR wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker said. “If you see one deer, be on the lookout for others nearby. Deer rarely run alone.”

To view the complete Joint Media Release, click here.

NATIONAL TEEN DRIVER SAFETY WEEK

Rules for the Road

DRUNK DRIVING I BUZZED DRIVING IS DRUNK DRIVING

Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021

THANKSGIVING WEEKEND

pre-Holiday Season

Drive High Get a DUI 2021 Holiday Season National Enforcement Mobilization / Dec 15, 2021 - Jan 1, 2022 Drug-impaired driving is a problem on America’s highways. Like drunk driving, drugged driving is impaired driving, which means it is dangerous and illegal in all 50 States, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C. Whether the drug is obtained legally or illegally, driving while impaired poses a threat to the driver, the vehicle passengers, and to other road users. NHTSA wants to spread the word about drug-impaired driving and to remind all drivers: if you are impaired by drugs and thinking about driving, pass your keys on to a sober driver Click here to view campaign materials for the 2021 Holiday Season National Mobilization.

TRAFFIC SAFETY RESOURCE PROSECUTORS VIDEO TRAINING SERIES PREVIOUS VIDEOS TO MEET THE TSRP'S AND LEARN WHAT TRAINING IS AVAILABLE TO LAW ENFORMCEMENT AND PROSECUTORS, click here.   TRAFFIC SAFETY CASE LAW UPDATE FOR 2020 - to view this video click here. OHIO INTOXILYZER 8000 FOR PROSECUTORS - to view click here.   Stay tuned to future issues of TrafficWise as new videos are released.

NOVEMBER TUESDAY - WEBINAR SERIES

TITLE: “DWI Defenses & How to Combat Them” 

DATE: Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, 2:00 – 3:30 pm (eastern)

PRESENTER: Rachel Smith, Louisiana Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor

DESCRIPTION: WEBINAR FORMAT

This presentation will address five of the most common categories of defenses encountered in impaired driving cases.  It will further discuss how to combat these defenses through a better understanding of basic investigation and report writing, legal concepts and requirements, and the science underpinning these concepts.  At the end, attendees will have the opportunity to share any new defenses that have encountered so that all can be better prepared should such issues arise.

There is no charge to attend this webinar, but you must register in advance.  Click here for more information and how to register.

IN PERSON TRAININGS AVAILABLE

PROSECUTING THE DRUGGED DRIVER

A FREE 8.0 HOUR CLE TRAINING

WHEN: Oct. 26, 2021 (8:45 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.)

WHERE: Ohio State Highway Patrol Training Academy, 740 E. 17^th Avenue, Columbus, Ohio, 43211

WHO: Municipal and County Prosecutors and Law Enforcement

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  Prosecuting the Drugged Driver is a course designed to provide prosecutors and law enforcement officers with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully investigate and prosecute drug impaired driving cases. The course is designed to encourage a team building approach between prosecutors and officers to aid in the detection, apprehension, and prosecution of drug impaired drivers.  Attendees will participate in interactive sessions taught by a multidisciplinary faculty. Topics will include: signs and symptoms of drug impairment including identifying causes and prevention of addiction, drug impairment detection, and treatment alternatives, the Drug Recognition Expert (D.R.E.) process, the role of the toxicologist, effectively litigating and presenting a DUID case at trial, qualifying the DRE as an expert in court, and responding to common defense challenges in DUID cases..   

Click here for more information and how to register.

PROSECUTING THE DRUGGED DRIVER

A FREE 6.0 HOUR CLE TRAINING

WHEN: Nov. 5, 2021 (9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.)

WHERE: Owens Community College, Heritage Hall, Rooms 123 A & B, 310 2nd Street, Perrysburg, OH  43551

WHO: Municipal and County Prosecutors and Law Enforcement

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  Prosecuting the Drugged Driver is a course designed to provide prosecutors and law enforcement officers with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully investigate and prosecute drug impaired driving cases. The course is designed to encourage a team building approach between prosecutors and officers to aid in the detection, apprehension, and prosecution of drug impaired drivers.  Attendees will participate in interactive sessions taught by a multidisciplinary faculty. Topics will include: signs & symptoms of drug impairment including identifying causes and prevention of addiction, drug impairment detection, and treatment alternatives, the Drug Recognition Expert (D.R.E.) process, the role of the toxicologist, effectively litigating and presenting a DUID case at trial, qualifying the DRE as an expert in court, and responding to common defense challenges in DUID cases.

Click here for more information and how to register.

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. 

The ARIDE program stresses the importance of the signs and symptoms of the seven drug categories. Officers attending this course will receive an update/refresher of Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFSTs) and must successfully pass an SFST proficiency evaluation. This training also promotes interaction with representatives from the state's prosecution community who are encouraged to attend. The instructors for this course are all Ohio DRE certified instructors. Prerequisite: Law enforcement officers must have had training in SFST (previously ADAP). This course is funded through an OTSO/NHTSA grant and is free for sworn Ohio law enforcement officers and prosecutors only. Tuition for out-of-state officers is $250. To view the upcoming classes and to register, click here.

Drug Recognition Expert Program The Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Program is a traffic safety program that focuses on the detection, apprehension and adjudication of drug-impaired drivers. A 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, School Information and upcoming classes by clicking here.

THE MEANING OF PARTNERSHIPS IN MIAMI COUNTY

Submitted by Vicky Knisley-Henry Miami County Safe Communities Coordinator “What is a “partnership”? According to Oxford, it’s an association of two or more people as partners or the state of being a partner. For the Miami County Safe Communities, it means something a little more. As the Safe Communities Coordinator, I have had the privilege of working alongside some of the most compassionate, community minded people, who genuinely have the best interest and safety of the community they serve at heart. The collective focus and shared understanding of community make the partnerships within the Safe Communities Coalition a strong foundation for lasting progress. Each partner brings their own unique perspective and skill set to the group and those differences are what make for a sold coalition and ensure the expansion of the messages we share. Each year we come together to create new and exciting ways to help bring traffic safety awareness to the community. Whether it’s a drunk driving simulation with local drivers education students or a seat belt simulation with melons and fire trucks, this amazing group of people truly keep our community safer”.

The the most recent edition of the Ohio LTAP Center newsletter is available online!  Click here

This edition includes the following articles:

• New CDL Training Requirements Effective February 2022
• Local Public Agency (LPA) Participation Requirement Review Form
• New!  One-Time Funding Opportunity: Township Stimulus Program
• Video Corner: Snow & Ice Training
• DriveOhio Smart Mobility Ambassadors: Developing Ohio’s Emerging Transportation Workforce
• Focus on Funding: Local Major Bridge (LMB) Program

Know someone who would be interested in one of the articles?  Please forward them this newsletter!  Received this email from a friend?  Sign up to receive future newsletter notifications at: Mailing List Sign-up.

The Ohio LTAP Center

1980 W. Broad Street, Mail Stop #1240, Columbus, OH 43223

614-387-7359 or 1-877-800-0031 (Toll Free)

Email:  ltap@dot.ohio.gov

NOTICE:  Ordered Yard Signs are unable to be shipped until at least mid-October.  We apologize for an inconvenience this might cause. - OTSO

Updated "STAY ALIVE!  don't TXT & drive" poster now available.

You can order the updated poster by using the order form that can be found by clicking here.

REMEMBER the OTSO offers materials for numerous traffic safety campaigns, including impaired driving, restraint usage, distracted driving, speeding 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.

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