TrafficWise - November 15, 2021

Ohio State Highway Patrol sent this bulletin at 11/15/2021 10:54 AM EST

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TrafficWise

November 15, 2021

 

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

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

FATAL COMPARISON MAP can be found here.

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SPEEDING IS A MAJOR KILLER

An article from Fortune Daily - Cari Shane

Speeding in the U.S. has become a deadly social norm. It’s “the enemy…It’s the other pandemic,” says Pam Shadel Fischer, senior director of external engagement for the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA). And while speed-related fatalities are not an America-only issue, the traffic fatality rate in the U.S. is 50% higher than in Canada, Australia, Japan, and Western European countries, where, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, traffic fatality rates have been falling.

They are likely to continue to fall overseas. In an effort to slow drivers down, next year the United Kingdom and the European Union will require speed sensor technology in all new fleets of cars; the United States will not. “Speed in this country has been so ignored, it’s like the forgotten safety problem, but it kills almost 10,000 people a year,” says Fischer. “These are real people, families. We have to change the social norm.”

After distracted and intoxicated driving, speeding is the third leading cause of motor vehicle deaths in the U.S. And America’s love affair with faster, larger cars directly correlates to increased death tolls on America’s roads, says Danny Harris, executive director of Transportation Alternatives, a New York City–based advocacy group. Research shows that 72% of cars currently sold are full-size, light-duty pickup trucks and SUVs (and the number is expected to climb to 78% by 2025).

“The car companies have certainly proved a willing indifference to saving lives,” says Harris. “They’re basically saying we will build bigger, more powerful, faster vehicles because, allegedly, that’s what consumers want. But consumers don’t want to murder a child while driving to the grocery store; that, unfortunately, is overlooked by car companies when they’re building this new array of faster, bigger assault vehicles and unleashing them across American streets,” says Harris.

To view the complete story from Fortune Daily, click here.

POLICE, TROOPERS STILL SEEING DRIVERS HIT EXCESSIVE SPEEDS DESPITE MORE DRIVERS ON ROAD

To view this related news release from WBNS Channel 10 in Columbus, Ohio, click here.

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OSHP Launches New Driver Safety Program for Teens

Encourages Parents to Talk to Teens About the Importance of Driving Safety

COLUMBUS - Ohio State Highway Patrol Colonel Richard S. Fambro joined Ohio Traffic Safety Office Director Felice Moretti announced on Oct. 20 the launch of a new educational program for youth and to encourage parents to discuss the importance of driving safety with their young drivers.

National Teen Driver Safety Week was Oct. 17-23, 2021, and was the perfect opportunity to talk with teens about safe driving habits. Parents of teen drivers can partner to support each other through this period of life. Ultimately, parents are in control.

“We want everyone on our roadways to make it home safely,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.  “Parents can play a vital role by ensuring young drivers are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to make good driving decisions.”

Since 2016, there have been 460 people killed on Ohio’s roadways in crashes involving a teen passenger vehicle driver (15-18 years old); 178 of the deaths were the teen driver. Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for teens in the United States. Nationally, in 2019, an estimated 92,000 teen drivers were injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes, and an estimated 264,000 people were injured in crashes involving a teen driver, accounting for almost 10% of all those injured that year.

“The loss of even one life on our roadways is too many,” said Col. Fambro, superintendent of the Patrol. “By avoiding dangers like driving distracted or impaired, obeying all traffic laws and speed limits, and ensuring everyone is buckled up, we can all make Ohio’s roadways safer.”

DRIVE to Live is a new educational program launched by the Patrol intended to positively impact our youth and engage in conversations about good decision making. It is geared toward meeting teens where they are, and listening with as shared interest in their future. Success of this program will result in impacting Ohio’s youth in a positive manner and building relationships between students and those in public safety. To schedule a presentation call 614-752-2792 or email oshp@dps.ohio.gov.

To view the complete media release, click here.
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Motorcycle Ohio Announces $2.5 Million in Funding for Motorcycle Rider Training

For Immediate Release: November 1, 2021

Columbus – Motorcycle Ohio, a division of the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, today announced $2.5 million in available funding for government agencies and nonprofit organizations that are interested in offering certified motorcycle rider training. 

Motorcycle Ohio establishes motorcycle safety and education programs to provide affordable motorcycle rider training courses in order to reduce fatalities and injuries on Ohio’s roadways through rider education, public information campaigns, and licensing improvement.  

“In addition to wearing the proper gear, comprehensive motorcycle rider training is crucial for new and experienced riders to safely navigate Ohio’s roadways,” said Michele Piko, Motorcycle Ohio State Program Coordinator. “This funding will ensure programs offer certified training to build and enhance riders’ skills.”

Funding assistance is available to applicants to provide Basic Rider Skills for beginners, Basic Rider Skills for the returning rider, and Basic Rider Skills – 2 as an early-season refresher, to bond with a new motorcycle, or to gain experience riding with a passenger. Applicants must meet specific parameters and other necessary requirements to be eligible for an award.  For more information, visit the Motorcycle Ohio website or email mogen@dps.ohio.gov. The deadline for applications is Dec. 31. 

For more than 30 years, Motorcycle Ohio has provided Ohio’s riders the opportunity to improve their skills and make the roadways safer for all motorists. The state has over 400,000 registered motorcycles, 600,000 endorsed riders, and issues 40,000 motorcycle permits per year. When combining those numbers, this makes Ohio the fifth largest state in total ridership. Funded by motorcycle plate fees and class registrations, Motorcycle Ohio’s objectives is to provide affordable, effective education programs while promoting awareness to other road users. To learn more about Motorcycle Ohio, please visit www.Motorcycle.ohio.gov.

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