Chillicothe, Ohio – In a move to bolster traffic safety initiatives, Ross County Sheriff George W. Lavender, Jr. proudly announced today that the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO) has awarded $20,071.85 in federal traffic safety funding to the Ross County Sheriff’s Office for the federal fiscal year 2024.
Sheriff Lavender emphasized the critical role of these funds in enhancing community safety, particularly in addressing prevalent issues such as distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and restraint use. With crash data revealing 328 incidents related to impaired driving resulting in 123 injuries and 14 fatalities over a three-year period in Ross County, the Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to implementing measures to curb such incidents.
To combat these statistics, the Ross County Sheriff’s Office plans to utilize the funds for high-visibility enforcement initiatives, including increased patrols and overtime hours. These efforts align with the statewide focus areas outlined by OTSO, which include promoting restraint use, combating impaired driving, enhancing motorcycle safety, and addressing issues concerning youthful drivers.
The grants, passed through OTSO from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, aim to support safety partners statewide in their endeavors to improve traffic safety outcomes. Competitive grant proposals are rigorously reviewed by OTSO, with funds allocated to projects demonstrating the potential to significantly reduce fatal crashes or enhance traffic safety systems.
Residents interested in learning more about OTSO and its statewide efforts to enhance safety on Ohio’s roadways are encouraged to visit the Ohio Traffic Safety Office website for additional information.
The receipt of these grants marks a significant step forward in Ross County’s ongoing commitment to fostering safer roads and protecting the well-being of its residents.
