By LINDSAY-JO DOUGLAS
BG Independent News
Nationally, one person dies every 42 minutes due to impaired driving, according to Deputy Chief Assistant Prosecutor Brian Boos, with the Wood County Prosecutor’s Office. As part of the local effort to lower that statistic, Safe Communities of Wood County recently hosted its annual “Safety Fair & Cruise-In” and kicked off the national mobilization of “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” in Wood County.
Visitors had the opportunity to explore vehicles including fire trucks, ambulances, a Life Flight helicopter, a bookmobile, and vehicles from the health department and Red Cross. There were also various nonprofits in attendance, who provided additional safety information. Kid’s activities included games, inflatables, and the “Fire Safety House.”
During the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” kickoff, Sandy Wiechman reminded everyone of the hazards of impaired driving. She stated that in 2024, two lives were lost locally due to impaired driving. Wiechman noted that “impaired” does not always equate to “drunk.” There has been a rise in impaired driving due to prescription medications, like Xanax, over-the-counter medications, and street drugs, like fentanyl.
“Whether the substance is legal or not, impaired driving is dangerous,” said Wiechman. She encouraged everyone to designate a driver before they have their first drink.
“We each have a responsibility,” Sgt. Scott Gonzales, of Ohio State Highway Patrol Post 87, said. “Don’t hesitate to call if you see reckless driving.”
Kenny Reeves, a flight paramedic with Promedica Air and Mobile reiterated that there are multiple forms of impaired driving. Reeves believes each form is a “selfish, stupid decision.” Reeves encouraged people to “call an Uber, call Lyft, call your friends” instead of driving while impaired.
Boos found “what is striking is how easily [these accidents] could have been avoided. Especially in contrast to how catastrophic the consequences can be.” Boos also noted that many people think the worst consequence that can result from impaired driving is a fine or OVI. The “worst consequence” is death. “It’s not always habitual,” Boos reminded everyone, “it only takes one time to wreck a family.”
Also during the Safety Fair, “Seatbelt Survivor” awards were given to David Johnson and Sgt. Mike Padisak. This award is given to individuals who were wearing their seatbelts during severe accidents. Johnson was T-boned by a semi-truck and believes he is “living proof that safety belts save lives.”
Padisak was involved in a head-on collision at 60 mph, when a car pulled out in front of him. Once he was able to get out of his car, Padisak began “working the crash like [he] would if [he] were responding to it.” Padisak commented that many accidents happen “on sunny days, like today” and urged everyone to “pay attention.”
Wiechman concluded the presentation by saying she believes that when it comes to first-responders, “We have the best of the best.”
