The Wyandot County Safe Communities Coalition and local law enforcement agencies are happy to report a significant decrease in local traffic fatalities in the first quarter of 2022. According to Jeff Ritchey, the Wyandot County Safe Communities Coordinator, Wyandot County is currently at zero traffic fatalities since the start of 2022, down from four fatalities during the same period in 2021.
Fortunately, this trend is statewide with a decrease in traffic fatalities of nearly 18% in the first quarter of the year. According to statistics from the Ohio Department of Public Safety, in 2022, there have been 249 confirmed fatalities on Ohio roadways as compared to 303 in 2021.
However, there is still work to do. The Safe Communities Coalition and local law enforcement need the help of all Wyandot County citizens in stopping preventable traffic crashes. There are many ways to reduce or eliminate the chances of being in a fatal crash. Commit to always wear a seatbelt, keep focused on the roads while driving, and never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
With the closing of the median of the at-grade intersection at Township/County Highway 44 and US 23 at the end of April, residents are urged to be mindful of the dangers of all at-grade intersections. According to data from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, in 2021, 12 crashes in Wyandot County were related to running a red light or stop sign, resulting in two deaths. An additional 42 crashes were related to a failure to yield, resulting in three serious injury crashes and another 9 minor injury crashes. To prevent serious injuries and fatalities, drivers must obey all traffic safety signs around at-grade intersections and always look both ways before proceeding.
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Remember to be safe, be smart, and be alert as you travel the roadways this spring. For more information on traffic safety, follow @WyandotHealth on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.
