New Driver Safety Tools for Teens Now Available Online
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Two new tools are now available for parents and driving school instructors to help better prepare young drivers who are still gaining experience behind the wheel.
New, localized traffic safety bulletins and an all-digital Ohio Driver's Permit Packet can be found on the Ohio Traffic Safety Office's (OTSO) website.
Digital Driver Permit Packet
OTSO is simplifying the process to find information needed for obtaining a driver's permit. All documents relevant to teen driver training and obtaining an Ohio driver’s license are now available on OTSO's Teach Your Teen to Drive website. A QR code linking to the Ohio Driver's Permit Packet will also be displayed at all Ohio BMV driver exam stations and deputy registrar license agencies.
The new guide is designed to answer the most common questions that teen drivers and parents have about getting licensed to drive in Ohio. It also addresses teen driver safety risks like impaired driving and distracted driving and outlines the importance of following speed limits, limiting passengers, and wearing seatbelts. Although this information has always been available on the Ohio BMV website, it has not been packaged together in one place, until now.
Driver Training Bulletins
In partnership with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, OTSO will biannually publish 88 county-specific driver training bulletins for use by parents, teachers, and driving instructors to help educate young drivers on local-level driving trends, dangerous roads and intersections, and seatbelt usage.
"We are continuously looking for ways to equip Ohio's young drivers with information to help them make good decisions behind the wheel," said Governor DeWine. "Each county in Ohio has unique driver-safety issues based on varying landscapes, population, and roads, so this local information can help parents and driving instructors determine which driving skills to focus on with new and practicing drivers."
In addition to making the bulletins available on the online, OTSO will distribute the publications to all driver training schools in the state so that instructors can adapt behind-the-wheel training to their local area.
“A majority of all crashes are caused by driver error, and that’s definitely true for new teen drivers who are still getting used to being behind the wheel,” said OTSO Director Felice Moretti. “The information presented on these data sheets is like having an Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper in the classroom and will help young drivers develop good decision-making and safe driving habits that can last a lifetime.”
According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Ohio ranks seventh in the United States for fatal crashes in 2021 (1,351) – a 9.8% increase from the year before. In 2021 - 37,552 crashes in Ohio were considered teen-related.
As a division within the Ohio Department of Public Safety, OTSO’s mission is to save lives and reduce injuries on Ohio’s roads through leadership and partnering efforts with others interested in traffic safety, utilizing the most innovative and efficient methods possible of managing state and federal resources.
Motorcycle Ohio Presents Final "Saved By The Helmet" Award of 2022
(ZANESVILLE, Ohio)- Motorcycle Ohio, a division of the Ohio Traffic Safety Office, presented a "Saved By The Helmet" award to John Ayers of Conesville (Coshocton County) on November 2, 2022. The award is given throughout the year to those who survive serious crashes while wearing a helmet. On July 14 2022, Ayers was riding northbound on State Route 26 in Washington County when he struck a deer which ran onto the roadway. Ayers lost control of his motorcycle and slid off the left side of the road. He was hospitalized with serious injuries, but his helmet likely saved his life.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper who initially responded to the crash, nominated Ayers to be recognized by Motorcycle Ohio.
Ayers was presented with a certificate of recognition and new replacement helmet. Motorcycle Ohio hopes that acknowledging riders who wear protective gear will help to promote and increase awareness of the life-saving value of motorcycle helmets.
John Ayers' helmet and motorcycle, which were damaged in a crash in Washington County in July.
Agencies Partner to Make Ohio's School Buses Safer
The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), and Ohio Department of Education (ODE) have partnered to create new highly-reflective “STOP” decals for the rear of every school bus in the state.
In the coming months, each of the state’s nearly 20,000 school buses will be outfitted with the new decals which make buses more visible in both daylight and at nighttime. The decals are being printed by ODOT’s Sign Shop and will be provided to the schools at no cost.
“This simple step to make Ohio’s school buses more visible will make a big difference to prevent rear-end crashes and protect both our kids and other motorists,” said Governor DeWine. “I commend our traffic safety teams who regularly go above and beyond to look out for those traveling on Ohio’s roads.”
The idea was brought about by troopers in the Patrol’s Licensing and Commercial Standard Unit. They saw a need for increased visibility and worked with ODOT, ODE, manufacturers, and various safety committees to vet the idea. During their research, Ohio troopers found no other state offering such a safety mechanism.
“I am beyond proud of the troopers and professional staff who worked tirelessly to see this through,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, OSHP superintendent. “Their dedication will have a positive impact on the students who rely on buses to transport them to and from school and school-related events safely each day.”
“Governor DeWine has been a constant champion for safety on our roads. When the Patrol reached out to us with this idea, we were happy to help make travel to and from school safer for our children,” said ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks.
Nine school districts in Ohio piloted the decals on their buses and completed a survey to report their results. Of the eight districts who responded to the survey, all believed the new reflective signs were more effective than the standard, non-reflective STOP decal currently displayed on the rear of school buses. All the districts also indicated the reflective STOP decal would improve school bus safety in dusk/dawn lighting conditions and in rain.
Those districts who participated included:
Centerville City Schools (Montgomery)
Chagrin Falls Exempted Village Schools (Cuyahoga)
Columbus City Schools (Franklin)
Dublin City Schools (Franklin)
Green Local Schools (Summit)
Huber Heights City Schools (Montgomery)
Marysville Exempted Village School District (Union)
Massillon City Schools (Stark)
Union-Scioto Local School District (Ross)
Since 2017, there have been 6,519 school bus-related crashes. Of these crashes, 1,421 involved a driver following too close and 712 involved a driver failing to yield.
Ohio Traffic Safety Office Awards Over $22 Million in Grants to Promote Safety and Reduce Crashes
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that the Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO) has awarded over $22 million for statewide programming to improve traffic safety and reduce traffic-related fatalities.
Almost 180 grants were awarded to 140 local agencies (68 counties) to support the efforts of safety partners statewide and focus on traffic safety priority areas, including impaired driving, seat belt usage, distracted driving, youthful driving, and motorcycle safety.
“These grants are important because they provide additional resources to support the work of local law enforcement and other community agencies that have made traffic safety a priority,” said Governor DeWine. “By helping to educate drivers about risky driving behaviors and increasing enforcement, we can improve the safety of our roadways and protect both drivers and passengers.”
Programs that will be funded with traffic safety grants include:
Statewide Programming ($12,597,922.88) – 27 grants were awarded to agencies to conduct education, enforcement, and awareness initiatives statewide to address traffic safety related priority areas.
Impaired Driving Enforcement and Selective Traffic Enforcement Program($5,049,074.90) – 94 grants were awarded to 57 sheriff’s offices and 37 police departments for overtime hours used to reduce traffic-related fatal crashes that involve impaired driving via alcohol or drugs, seat belt usage, speed, aggressive driving, motorcycles, and failure to yield.
Countywide OVI Task Forces ($2,687,053.31) – 12 grants were awarded to agencies to conduct countywide high visibility enforcement, public awareness and impaired driving initiatives.
Safe Community programs ($2,315,888.71) – 45 countywide grants were awarded to communities to address traffic safety issues that involve impaired driving via alcohol or drugs, seat belt usage, distracted driving, youthful driving, and motorcycles. Ohio’s Safe Communities network uses local coalitions to deliver traffic safety messages and programs throughout the year at the local level.
The traffic safety grant funds were directed to OTSO from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The FFY 2023 competitive grant process solicited grant proposals from state agencies, non-profit organizations, colleges, universities, hospitals, political subdivisions, and other interested groups within selected Ohio counties and jurisdictions based upon the number of fatal crashes.
“Young drivers under the age of 24 were involved in 31% of all crashes in Ohio over the past 5 years,” said Felice Moretti, OTSO director. “Through nationally leading partnerships with youth organizations like Students Against Destructive Decisions and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, we are encouraging youthful driver safety to try and reduce the number of crashes among this age group.”
Today, far too many roads are designed for high speeds and lack safe space for people walking, bicycling, and using wheelchairs. The good news is that we can fix streets to make them safer and more welcoming for all types of road users, while also discouraging speeding. The recent passage of the federal Infrastructure bill represents an unprecedented opportunity to direct billions of dollars towards fixing deadly roads and improving walking and biking conditions – especially for communities that have been traditionally underserved.
This year’s theme of Safe Streets Save Lives recognizes that we have the agency to prioritize safety over speed on our streets and that everyone deserves to be safe on our roads, sidewalks and bikeways.
Communities across the U.S. are organizing events on Sunday, November 20 to urge change at the local and state levels. Events will include rallies, bike rides, and visual memorials, as well as a national virtual candle lighting ceremony on November 21st for those who have lost a loved one in a traffic crash or suffered a serious injury.
Click HERE to learn more and read about past events.
Thanksgiving Impaired Driving Prevention
Thanksgiving is November 24th. As we prepare for festivities with family and friends, we want to remind all drivers the dangers of impaired driving.
You have to choose your role before drinking begins: will you drink or will you drive? Remember, even if you just had one drink and you think you are "okay to drive", you could still be driving impaired.
Click here for impaired driving prevention (buzzed) campaign materials.
If You Feel Different, You Drive Different.
Drug-impaired driving is also a problem on our nation's highways. Like drunk driving, drug-impaired driving is also impaired driving. So, whether legally or illegally obtained, driving under the influence of drugs poses a threat to the driver, vehicle passengers, and other road users.
Click here for impaired driving prevention (drugs) campaign materials.
On behalf of the NHTSA team, thanks for your proactive support in this Thanksgiving impaired driving prevention initiative.
TRAFFIC SAFETY RESOURCE PROSECUTORS VIDEO TRAINING SERIES
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COMBATING ALCOHOL AND DRUG - IMPAIRED DRIVING (IIHS), to view this video click here.
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.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol and The Ohio State University – John Glenn College of Public Affairs will host the 2023 Public Safety Leadership Academy for qualified police executives. This intensive, 11-week residential professional training program will be held March 27, through June 9, 2023, at the Patrol's Training Academy.
Click HERE for more information on student requirements, and how to nominate an executive officer to attend this course. The deadline to submit is December 23, 2022.
WEBINAR SERIES
*The following webinars are approved by the Supreme Court of Ohio Commission on Continuing Legal Education for 1.5 CLE credit hours for prosecutors* You must virtually attend the live webinar for CLE credit. Please email your bar number to Holly Reese (hreesetsrp@gmail.com) at the conclusion of the webinar to have it submitted to the Supreme Court.
NOVEMBER TRAFFIC TUESDAY WEBINAR
Title: DUI Cases and the HIPAA Myth
Date: Tuesday, November 15, 2022
Time: 2p-3:30p Eastern
Presenter: Vin Petty, Florida TSRP, Ken Stecker, Michigan TSRP
Description: This presentation will cover the basic legal principles behind the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, also known as HIPAA. The presentation will also cover specific principles relating to criminal law and the built-in exceptions for law enforcement and prosecutors conducting investigations into criminal matters, such as DUI Cases. Lastly, the presentation will cover methods in jurisdictions to work more closely with hospitals. Attendees will learn methods to find hospital personnel to keep the lines of communication open on legal matters to better investigate DUI cases. Attendees will receive example forms that they can use to better navigate the legal roadblocks to obtaining protected health information when investigating DUI cases.
There is no charge to attend this webinar, but you must register in advance. Click here for complete information and registration information.
DECEMBER TRAFFIC TUESDAY WEBINAR
Title: Forensic Toxicology in DUI Cases: Bringing Out the Nerd in You
Date: Tuesday, December 13, 2022
Time: 2p-3:30p Eastern
Presenter: Amy Miles, Director of Forensic Toxicology, Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, UW School of Medicine and Public Health; National Resource Toxicologist
Description: You have received the toxicology report back from your laboratory for your DUI case. Listed on the report are drugs that you know are not the active parent, but you observed impairment. Now what? What did the subject ingest? What drugs are there as a result of the body's metabolism? Your lab is always a great resource, yet there is some preliminary information you can learn to help navigate the report before you must write an email or make a call to the lab. This presentation will discuss the differences between active drugs, their metabolites as well as various precursors and derivatives so that one can better understand and handle drug DUI cases using several examples of specific cases.
There is no charge to attend this webinar, but you must register in advance. Click here for complete information and registration information.
Reminder: Annual I-8000 Proficiency Testing
There are currently over 2,100 Ohio I-8000 operators who have not completed a successful proficiency or subject test in 2022. In order to maintain proficiency, each operator must successfully complete and upload a subject test or proficiency test each calendar year. Please go to the Breath Instrument Data Center on the Alcohol and Drug Testing page of the Ohio Department of Health website to check your current proficiency date.
If you have questions, please contact the Alcohol and Drug Testing Program at BADT@odh.ohio.gov or (614) 644-4609.
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.
December 5-6 - Richfield
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.
Courtroom Success Training for DREs and Prosecutors November 16-18, 2022 Newport, KY
Officers are usually well-trained in the skills of investigating, but they seldom receive formal training in the art of presenting their work to jurors at trial. The State’s police witness needs to know more than what their technical training provides them to anticipate cross-examination by a skilled defense attorney. Legal Sciences’ COURTROOM SUCCESS training gives officers the confidence to guard the truth from unfair attacks, and present their testimony in a convincing, persuasive manner that makes a real connection with the jurors. This training includes hands-on activities that will assist prosecutors as well as the officers giving the testimony. An extensive testifying exercise demonstrates to officers a wide range of testifying styles and gives them an opportunity to experience the equivalent of many years of testifying themselves.
For the full agenda and registration details, click HERE.
This course has been approved by the Supreme Court of Ohio Commission on Continuing Legal Education for 16.00 total CLE hours. Please contact Sierra Williams, Ohio Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor at swilliams.tsrp@gmail.com or (513) 379-7551 with questions.
Ohio Heads Into Peak Time For Deer-Related Crashes
It’s deer season… on Ohio’s roadways. The Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Ohio Department of Insurance, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and AAA are all reminding drivers that fall is peak time for deer-related crashes.
Since 2017, statistics from OSHP show there were 103,752 deer-related crashes on Ohio’s roadways. While 95% of deer-related crashes only resulted in property damage, 30 crashes resulted in fatal injuries.
Nearly 43% of these crashes occurred in October, November, and December.
The top counties for deer related crashes are Stark, Richland, Hancock, Williams, Trumbull and Defiance with I-71, SR-2 and US-30 being the top roadways where deer-related crashes occur in Ohio.
According to 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.
How to avoid animal collisions:
Scan the road ahead:Looking ahead helps provide enough reaction time if an animal is spotted. Also, remember some animals, like deer, move in groups, so when there is one, there are usually more in the area.
Use high beam headlights if there is no oncoming traffic:This can help you spot deer or other wildlife more quickly and give you time to slow down, move over or honk the horn to scare the animal away. High beams also help in spotting animals’ reflective eyes.
Be extra cautious at dawn and dusk:Deer tend to be more active in the early morning and at dusk. That’s why these are peak times for deer-vehicle collisions.
If a collision is unavoidable, apply the brakes firmly and remain in your lane:Swerving to avoid an animal can often cause a more serious crash or cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Drivers who swerve to miss a deer and hit something else may be charged for an at-fault crash.
Always wear a seatbelt and remain awake, alert, and sober:The chances of getting injured when hitting an animal are much higher if you don’t have your seatbelt on. If you’re distracted or drowsy, you’re not properly scanning the road for deer and could end up spotting them too late.
What to do if you hit a deer:
Following the collision, call the police.
Avoid making contact with the deer/animal. A frightened and wounded animal can be dangerous and pose a threat when approached or might further injure itself.
Activate the vehicle’s hazard lights whether it’s light or dark outside.
If possible, move the vehicle to a safe location out of the roadway, and wait for help to arrive.
Drivers should contact their insurance agent or company representative as quickly as possible to report any vehicle damage.
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.
