TrafficWise - December 5, 2022
Ohio State Highway Patrol sent this bulletin at 12/05/2022 01:52 PM EST
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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() AAA and SADD Partner to Prevent Marijuana-Impaired Teen Driving in Ohio
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! ![]() Distracted Driving Bill Introduced in Senate at Ohio StatehouseOn 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.
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. ![]()
![]() 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* 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.
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.
Transportation Research Board
National Sheriffs' Association (NSA)
Lifesavers 2023 Conference
![]() State Agencies and Partners Working to Keep Older Drivers Safe on Ohio RoadwaysFatal 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.
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.
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.
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:
To help improve safety, state partners offer the following tips for older drivers and their families:
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