Patrol: Stay buckled, focused, sober

Submitted information

September is Safe Driving Awareness Month, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol is asking motorists to commit to driving buckled, focused, and sober. In addition, motorists can help keep roadways safe when they take their time, drive defensively, and know all traffic safety laws.

Last year, 1,110 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes. Although fatal crashes rose slightly in 2015, Ohio is still on pace with record low fatal numbers.

“By devoting their full attention to the road, motorists can reduce their risk of getting into a crash,” said Lt. Tim Grigsby, Van Wert Post commander. “We need all motorists to practice safe driving habits to make the roadways safe all across Ohio.”

From 2011-2015, an average of 287,732 motor vehicle crashes were reported on Ohio’s public roadways each year. On average, 1049 people died in 966 of these crashes.

September was designated as Safe Driving Awareness Month in June 2014 by Senate bill 294 to honor Maria Tiberi and other victims of motor vehicle crashes. Tiberi was a 21-year-old college student who died in a distracted driving crash in September 2013. She is the daughter of Columbus television sports anchor, Dom Tiberi.

To view the statistical analysis regarding the Patrol’s safe driving awareness month, visit http://www.statepatrol.ohio.gov/doc/SafeDriving_Bulletin_2016.pdf

As always, the Patrol asks drivers to call #677 to report impaired drivers or drug activity.