SAFE COMMUNITIES
Bethany Carson, MS, CHES, OCPSA
bethany.carson@fairfieldcountyohio.gov
P: 740.652.2840
The Safe Communities program is a data-driven initiative to save lives and reduce injury by increasing seat belt usage, increasing impaired driving awareness, increasing motorcycle safety awareness, coalition building with community partners, and traffic fatality review. This program is implemented in collaboration with the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the National Highway Safety Administration.
Seat belts have been proven to be one of the best ways to save your life in a crash. Yet, many still don't buckle up. Worse still, not wearing a seat belt is a habit that will pass on to impressionable youth who, in turn, will think it is safe to not buckle up. The Click It or Ticket campaign focuses on safety education, strong laws, and law enforcement support to save lives. No matter what type of vehicle you drive, one of the safest choices drivers and passengers can make is to buckle up.
- • In Ohio, it is illegal to use or hold a cell phone or electronic device in your hand, lap, or other parts of the body while driving on Ohio roads.
- • Even if you can, that doesn't mean you should.
- • The Ohio Department of Public Safety and ODOT explain the law and offer resources to help all drivers share the road safely.
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over is a national high-visibility enforcement campaign that runs during specific times of the year. This campaign focuses on the consequences of drunk driving and is supported by increased law enforcement.
Anything that takes your attention away from driving can be a distraction. Sending a text message, talking on a cell phone, using a navigation system, and eating while driving are a few examples of distracted driving. Any of these distractions can endanger you, your passengers, and others on the road.
- • Learn about distracted driving and its effects
- • Take the pledge today: The fight to end distracted driving starts with you. Make the commitment to drive phone-free today.
Protect lives by never texting or talking on the phone while driving.
Be a good passenger and speak out if the driver in my car is distracted.
Encourage my friends and family to drive phone-free.
#justdrive - • Governor DeWine Signs Bill that Strengthens Distracted Driving Laws in Ohio
We have the duty as drivers of cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs not only to share the road but also to take proactive measures to help increase motorcycle safety when we come across motorcyclists on our route.
If you’re looking for Infant Safe Sleep resources, or to see if you are eligible for a free Cribette®, visit the Infant Safe Sleep/Cribs for Kids.
If you need a car seat or want to learn how to install it safely, contact Fairfield County Family and Children First Council at 740-652-7284.
Fairfield County’s public transit, including routes and fares information.
Other helpful links:
Safe Communities Coalition
Coalition meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every other month at 12pm at the Records Center on 138 West Chestnut Street, Lancaster, OH 43130.
2024 Coalition Meetings
- • March 13, 2024
- • May 8, 2024
- • July 10, 2024
- • September 11, 2024