September has continued the trend for the increase in traffic fatalities in Pickaway County. A total of three traffic related deaths were noted for this past month, and traffic safety advocates continue to work on efforts to reduce these increasing numbers.
“Actual fatal crashes and the number of people killed as a result of a motor vehicle crash has increased this year, and members of the Safe Communities Program have continued to note their concern for the increase in enforcement and education”, noted Teresa C. Carper, Director for the program. “The lack of seat belt use continues to be an issue we discuss over and over as we review these crashes. The message is simple…..improve your safety by simply taking a few seconds to buckle up.”
Safe Communities just started their new fiscal year with the approval of their grant from the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Traffic Safety Office. The Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office was also renewed for their High Visibility Enforcement Overtime (HVEO) grant. Both grants approach the traffic safety issue from a different perspective; however the two programs work cooperatively with other agencies to promote traffic safety messages throughout the year.
“By working with Safe Communities, and providing extra patrols to our roadways through the assistance of these grants, we hope to reduce the number of crashes and fatalities on our roadways”, noted Sheriff Robert Radcliff. “My Office works in partnership with other law enforcement agencies and safety organizations to ensure that we are doing all we can to keep our local roadways safe.”
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has a wealth of information and safety tips on their website at www.nhtsa.gov . But Carper concluded by saying that improving your safety is as simple as making sure you “Buckle Up Every Trip Every Time”.
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