From SAFE COMMUNITIES OF WOOD COUNTY
Safe Communities has announced that there have been eight fatal crashes compared to 10 this time last year.
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October is Pedestrian Safety Month in Ohio. In Wood County we have had 58 crashes from 2019 to date:
4 Fatalities
42 Injury Crashes
27 in the City of Bowling Green
10 in the City of Perrysburg
48 percent were due to failing to yield
Safety Tips for Motorists:
- Put the phone down and watch out for pedestrians. Sending or reading a short text takes your eyes off the road for almost 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed
- Driving a few miles over the speed limit might not feel like a big deal, but in a collision with a pedestrian, it can be the difference between life and death
- In 2020, pedestrians who died in single-vehicle crashes were most likely to be struck by the front of the vehicle
- Do not block crosswalks when you stop at intersections.
- Take extra care while driving around schools, playgrounds, and neighborhoods.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs when driving; they impair your abilities and your judgment.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians:
- Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
- Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
- Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right. If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely; continue watching for traffic as you cross. Use available signals at crosswalks to alert motorists you are crossing.
- Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots.
- Remember: alcohol and drugs can impair your abilities and your judgment.
