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December 5, 2022

Year-to-Date Confirmed Traffic Fatalities, Current versus 2021 Traffic Fatalities

FATAL CRASHES 2022 YEAR TO DATE MAP can be found here.

OSTATS CRASH DASHBOARD can be found here.

Patrol Releases Thanksgiving Holiday Report

According to provisional statistics, 16 people were killed on Ohio’s roadways this Thanksgiving holiday. During the five-day reporting period, from Wednesday, November 23 at midnight through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 27, 16 people were killed in 15 fatal crashes. In 2021, there were 14 fatal crashes in which 17 people were killed.

Of the 16 killed this year, two were pedestrians, 10 were not wearing a seat belt and six crashes involved impaired driving.

Troopers arrested 270 people for operating a vehicle while impaired and 130 for drugs. Troopers also issued 686 safety belt citations and 100 distracted driving violations. Throughout the holiday reporting period, troopers also assisted 1,542 motorists.

A statistical analysis of the Patrol’s enforcement activity over the holiday is available at https://statepatrol.ohio.gov/static/links/Thanksgiving2022_PIO.pdf.

2022 pre-Holiday Season Impaired Driving Prevention
November 28 - December 13, 2022

After Thanksgiving and throughout the month of December, Americans have many opportunities to celebrate the upcoming holidays and past year with co-workers, friends and family. A mainstay of these gatherings for many people is alcohol and, increasingly, marijuana. The 2022 Pre-Holiday Impaired Driving campaign seeks to educate drivers about the dangers of drunk and drug-impaired driving.

Drunk Driving: The Sobering Statistics

• During the 2016-2020 December months, there were more than 4,400 people killed in drunk-driving-related crashes.
• Drunk male drivers were involved in fatal crashes at a much higher rate (660) in December 2020 compared to female drivers (191).
• Young drivers ages 21-34 accounted for the highest percentage (26%) of alcohol-impaired fatalities in December 2020.

Click here to get your 2022 campaign materials.

December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

OVI in Ohio: 2017 to Present

So far in 2022, there has been 10,197 OVI-related crashes in Ohio:

• 1,327 (13%) of those crashes involved a fatality of serious injury.

• 1,072 (10.5%) of all of Ohio's OVI crashes occurred in Franklin County.

• Ohio routes with the most OVI crashes: I-75 (202), I-71 (176), US-20 (112), and I-70 (108).

Ohio currently has 186 Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) - law enforcement officers that are highly trained to recognize impairment of drivers under the influence of drugs other than or in addition to alcohol. The DRE Program is a federally funded program through the Ohio Traffic Safety Office.

So far in 2022, there has been 13,925 OVI arrests in Ohio:

• 1,170 (8%) of those arrests involved marijuana

• 2,249 (16%) involved other drugs

All statistics from Ohio State Highway Patrol OVI Dashboard

A Message From The Director

Dear friends and colleagues:  After 43 years of public service, I have decided to retire at the end of this year.  I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to work at four incredible organizations (Corrections, Youth Services, Criminal Investigations, and Public Safety), and to have served at the pleasure of six Governors and an Attorney General.  I’ve also had the unique experience of being appointed to the Cabinets of three Governors’ (Taft, Strickland, and DeWine) as Director of two different agencies (DYS and DPS).  My career has enabled me to work with thousands of dedicated public servants, many of whom have had some of the toughest jobs in state government.  I have also had the good fortune to work with incredible partners, policy makers, and key stakeholders, such as Sheriffs, Chiefs of Police, Prosecutors, Judges, Legislators, Fire Chiefs, Coroners, advocates and Reporters.  To all of you who have been there when I called, who have supported me in tough times, and who have worked hard to make our agencies and our state stronger, I say “THANK YOU.” I can’t say enough about my appreciation for the officials I have worked for these past four-plus decades.  They have believed in me, allowed me to grow and make mistakes, and have supported me through many challenging circumstances.  They have also enabled me to be involved in numerous national Boards and Commissions, and to occasionally provide technical assistance to Governors and agencies in other states. I trust this work has ultimately proved beneficial to our state, while lending my little bit of help to national interests.  I wish all of you the very best.  Please stay in touch and let me know if I can ever be of assistance.  You can reach me at tstickrath@gmail.com.

AAA and SADD Partner to Prevent Marijuana-Impaired Teen Driving in Ohio

AAA and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) have partnered to educate youth on the risks of marijuana-impaired driving.  The primary focus of the partnership is the delivery of peer-to-peer education by SADD’s student leaders utilizing a curriculum developed by AAA Northeast called Shifting Gears: The Blunt Truth About Marijuana & Driving. The curriculum, endorsed by Brown University’s School of Public Health, addresses:  The effects of THC on the developing teenage brain Research-based information on increased crash risks for marijuana-impaired drivers The physical and cognitive processes affected by marijuana use The Shifting Gears: The Blunt Truth About Marijuana & Driving program has been delivered to approximately 60,000 high school students throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island and is now being launched in Ohio. Pre- and post-program surveys demonstrate significant attitudinal change; after participating in the Shifting Gears program, 98% of teens surveyed agreed that marijuana impairs driver performance, and 95% of participants agreed that marijuana affects a driver’s reaction time. Drug impaired driving is a growing problem on Ohio’s roads. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol: 37% of Ohio traffic fatalities in 2021 involved someone under the influence of drugs The most common drug of abuse in fatal crashes was cannabis by an almost 3-1 margin (cannabis 292/amphetamines 104) The Ohio State Highway Patrol made more than 18,000 impaired driving arrests in 2021 – every 28 minutes someone was arrested for OVI by a state trooper “Data and research confirm the dangers of driving under the influence of marijuana,” said Kimberly Schwind, director, public affairs for AAA Ohio Auto Club. “This evidence-based program aims to save lives by proactively educating our youth on the risks of marijuana impaired driving.” Representatives from AAA, SADD, The Ohio State Highway Patrol, and Jennifer’s Messengers were among those present at the event on December 1 in Worthington. “We’re thrilled to join with our longtime partners at AAA in making this program available to student leaders across Ohio. Drug impaired driving is a critical issue, a public health crisis that continues to grow. By empowering our students with the knowledge and resources they need to combat this issue, we will make our roadways safer for all users,” said Rick Birt, SADD president and CEO.

Rival Teams Come Together to Promote Traffic Safety

Lucas County and Wood County Safe Communities teamed up on November 15th for a traffic safety event ahead of the annual BGSU and University of Toledo rivalry football game. Coalition members discussed pedestrian safety, the move over/slow down law and impaired driving prevention. Organizers also re-created the "running the ball" tradition with cruisers from Bowling Green to Toledo.

Thank You to LEL Jeff Anspach and Sandy Wiechman from Safe Communities of Wood County for sharing this story!

SAFE Delaware County Coalition Remembers Those Lost to Traffic Crashes in 2022

Each November, the SAFE Delaware County Coalition acknowledges those who passed away due to motor vehicle crashes in Delaware County during a remembrance ceremony. Traditionally, a display of wreaths with the name of each victim is dedicated as a reminder to drive safely during the holiday season.

This year, 13 crash victims were honored at the ceremony on November 17th with members of the coalition, loved ones, and therapy dogs in attendance.

"Car crashes, despite their low profile relative to other health causes, are a leading cause of preventable death, especially for our young people," said Jackie Bain, SAFE Coalition Coordinator. "Unfortunately, every year in Delaware County an average of 14 people pay an immeasurable price because of something that is so preventable."

"These losses are so senseless because we know how to prevent them," said Ohio State Highway Patrol Post Commander Lt. Robert Curry. "Drivers can significantly reduce the number of traffic victims by simply slowing down, driving sober, paying attention, and using seat belts. People like those that the SAFE Delaware County Coalition remembers each year deserve to return home safely to their loved ones. Drivers must do better."

Do you have a story idea or success story? Let us know!
Please send a brief paragraph and pictures to OTSO Public Information Officer Judy Converse at jlconverse@dps.ohio.gov

Distracted Driving Bill Introduced in Senate at Ohio Statehouse

On November 16, the Ohio House of Representatives passed an amended version of a distracted driving bill that makes it a primary offense. The vote was 77 in favor, and 11 against.
House Bill 283 originally would have banned drivers from "holding or physically supporting an electronic wireless communications device with any part of the body, with certain exceptions," but it was amended in Commitee and passed with two changes:

• Drivers will be able to hold a phone placed next to their ear as long as it's not being looked at
• Drivers can use phones while stopped at a traffic signal

The bill is now being reviewed by the Senate Judiciary Committee, and still must clear the full Senate. GOP Senate President Matt Huffman has said he is not in favor of the bill but would allow it to come to a vote if fellow Republican lawmakers overwhelmingly show support.

House Bill 283 must be signed by Gov. Mike DeWine by the end of the year, or the legislative process would start over again. The Governor has long supported a hands-free law in the state.

If the bill becomes law, it does not come with an emergency clause. Instead, there would be a six-month period where officers will give drivers a warning, not a citation.

Stay tuned to future issues of TrafficWise for any updates on House Bill 283.

TRAFFIC SAFETY RESOURCE PROSECUTORS VIDEO TRAINING SERIES RECENT VIDEO 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.

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.

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.  Click HERE for more information  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. 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.

Transportation Research Board

• 102nd Annual Meeting (Washington, DC)
• January 8-12, 2023
• https://www.trb.org/AnnualMeeting/AnnualMeeting.aspx

National Sheriffs' Association (NSA)

• Winter Legislative & Technology Conference (Washington, DC)
• February 3-6, 2023
• https://www.sheriffs.org/

Lifesavers 2023 Conference

• National Conference on Highway Safety Priorities (Seattle, WA)
• April 2-4, 2023
• https://lifesaversconference.org/

State Agencies and Partners Working to Keep Older Drivers Safe on Ohio Roadways

Fatal crashes involving older Ohioans hit 10-year high in 2021

Columbus, Ohio – With fatal crashes involving older drivers on the rise, Governor Mike DeWine, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), the Ohio Department of Public Safety, the Ohio Department of Aging, and AAA are encouraging Ohioans to “Stay Fit to Drive” with resources specifically designed for older drivers and their families.

The American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA) Older Driver Safety Awareness Week (Dec. 5-9) takes place during the busy holiday season, when many families come together. It offers an opportunity for families to examine different aspects of older driver safety and discover resources that can keep them and their loved ones safe and mobile.

“My administration has always focused on keeping everyone who travels in Ohio safe. We have developed several resources and programs to help older Ohioans adopt strategies for safe driving, and we also offer alternatives for older drivers who can no longer get behind the wheel safely,” said Governor DeWine. “We hope Ohio families take this opportunity to learn about the services that are available and talk with their loved ones about plans for continued safe mobility.”

Why Older Driver Safety Matters:

People aged 65 and older make up the fastest growing segment of drivers nationally and in Ohio. By 2030, the state will have more than 4.8 million residents who are 65 or older.

Nationally, the total number of estimated fatalities for the age 65-and-older age group jumped by 14% in 2021, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

ODOT data shows that the number of deaths involving older drivers hit a 10-year high in 2021, when 299 people died in crashes on Ohio roads, representing 22% of all traffic deaths statewide. Deaths involving older drivers have been rising post-pandemic, as drivers resume normal activities.

“We know that older drivers are traditionally some of the safest drivers, but the number of fatal crashes involving this age group is unfortunately going in the wrong direction,” said Kimberly Schwind with the Ohio Conference of AAA Clubs. “As our older driver population grows, it’s essential that we work together to keep them safe while driving and mobile when it’s time to give up the keys."

Risk Factors that Impact Driving:

While older drivers typically take fewer risks while driving than younger drivers, they are more likely to be injured or killed in a crash due to age-related fragility. In addition, normal aging may increase common risk factors for roadway crashes, including changes in vision, hearing, strength, visibility, reflexes, and memory. Medical conditions and certain medications also may impact the ability to drive safely.

“Our office is committed to making Ohio’s roads safer, but we all have a part to play,” said Felice Moretti, Director of The Ohio Traffic Safety Office. “We encourage older drivers to be proactive about safe driving and identify changes in visual and cognitive functions early. Younger drivers can protect other drivers and passengers by obeying the speed limit and never driving distracted or impaired.”

Resources for Road Users and Their Families:

To help prevent crashes, Ohio has state and local program resources that can help older drivers adopt strategies to stay safe on the road, as well as find alternatives to driving if they can no longer do so safely. These resources can be found on the website, transportation.ohio.gov/olderdrivers.

In addition, the Ohio Department of Aging has tips and resources for older Ohioans and their families. They help older drivers maintain their driving abilities and independence and understand the factors that affect their ability to stay behind the wheel safely. They also provide advice for discussing the topic with family members and finding transportation resources. Visit aging.ohio.gov/olderdrivers.

Tips for Older Driver Safety:  

“Driving allows older Ohioans to maintain their independence and stay connected to family, friends, and their communities. While preserving that independence is important, it is also important for everyone to do their part to support safe driving practices to protect themselves and others,” said Ursel J. McElroy, Director of the Ohio Department of Aging. “Especially this year, as more people get back on the roads, and with the holidays right around the corner, it’s a smart time for older Ohioans and their loved ones to refamiliarize themselves on best practices for older drivers so they can get around with confidence.”

To help improve safety, state partners offer the following tips for older drivers and their families:

• Stay aware of your changing physical, vision and hearing abilities and adjust your driving habits accordingly.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist if any medical conditions you have or medications you take could make it unsafe to drive.
• Do most of your driving during daylight and in good weather. Avoid busy roadways and rush hours whenever possible.
• Plan your route before you drive and choose routes with well-lit streets, intersections with left turn signals and easy parking.
• Avoid distractions while driving, including talking or texting on a cell phone, eating, or listening to a loud radio.
• Leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you so you can react if the other driver stops or slows suddenly.
• Do not drive too slowly, as this can be as unsafe as speeding.

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.

Localized Traffic Safety Bulletins Available Online:

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. Individual data sheets for every county in Ohio are available for download HERE.

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