From SAFE COMMUNITIES OF WOOD COUNTY
Wood County Safe Communities has announced that there have been three fatal crashes in Wood County for the calendar year 2019, compared to five the same time frame in 2018.
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Many of us have witnessed a distracted driver; they are often easy to spot. Some reading this article, may even admit to driving distracted in the past. With so many individuals, tuned into smartphones, texting from behind the wheel has become one of the most common causes of fatalities on the roads.
That is why, Safe Communities of Wood County is teaming up with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to reach all drivers with an important warning: U Drive. U Text. U Pay.
Every year, about 421,000 people are injured in crashes that have involved a driver who was distracted in some ways. Additionally, each year, over 330,000 accidents cause by texting while driving lead to severe injuries. Meaning, over 78 percent of all distracted drivers are distracted because they have been texting while driving.
Driving distracted is a life or death issue. Many do not understand how dangerous it is to take your eyes off the road, hands of the wheel, and concentration off the task of driving safely it only takes a few seconds, to change your life or someone else’s. As a result, this April, the police presence on Ohio roads will increase. Anyone caught texting and driving will pay the price.
“Too many drivers are ignoring their responsibilities behind the wheel,” said Sandy Wiechman, Safe Communities Coordinator for Wood County. “Do the right thing – put your phone away when you get behind the wheel.
