National School Bus Safety Week

National School Bus Safety Week

by | Oct 19, 2020 | Blog

 

COLUMBUS, OH, Oct. 19, 2020 – The week of October 19 through 23 has been designated National School Bus Safety Week. This year’s theme, “Red Lights Mean STOP!” serves as a reminder for students, parents, teachers, and the community to keep school bus safety at the forefront.

From 2017 to 2019, there were 3,967 crashes involving school buses reported in Ohio. During that time frame, five people were killed in five crashes and 1,322 injuries. None of those killed in these crashes were passengers on the buses.

“Ohio drivers need to watch for school buses–especially when they stop to drop off or pick up our students,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “Working together, we can ensure that school buses remain the safest mode of transportation for students to and from school.”

Prior to stopping, school buses display yellow warning lights that signify the bus is about to stop. Once a bus comes to a stop, flashing lights and a stop sign are displayed. Motorists approaching a stopped school bus from either direction are required to stop at least 10 feet from the bus while the bus is picking up or dropping off students. When a road is divided into four or more lanes, only traffic driving in the same direction as the bus must stop. Drivers may not resume their travels until the bus resumes traveling.

Also from 2017 to 2019, troopers cited 1,999 drivers who passed a school bus when they were required to stop.

“Although drivers are required to stop for school buses loading or unloading passengers, children should not rely on motorists to do so,” said Richard S. Fambro, Patrol superintendent. “Children exiting the bus should always stop and look both ways before crossing the street, remaining alert for any sudden traffic.”

Troopers will be highly visible this week along school bus routes and in school zones to ensure the safety of students. 

For a complete statistical breakdown of school bus violations and crashes, visit https://www.statepatrol.ohio.gov/links/School_Bus_Bulletin_2020.pdf.

 

Posted by By Dan Starcher, public communications specialist for the Wayne County government.

Patrol Warns Against Driving Impaired For New Year’s Holiday

Patrol Warns Against Driving Impaired For New Year’s Holiday

by | Dec 30, 2019 | Blog

COLUMBUS, OH, Dec. 2019 – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is urging drivers who intend to celebrate the New Year’s holiday to plan ahead and designate a sober driver. The Patrol’s zero-tolerance policy is part of the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign.

The New Year’s holiday reporting period begins Tuesday, December 31 at midnight and ends on Wednesday, January 1 at 11:59 p.m. 

“There are many options to get home safely,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “Planning ahead before you go out is not only the smart thing to do, it’s the right thing to do.”

Eleven fatal crashes killed 12 people during the four-day 2018-2019 New Year’s holiday reporting period. Seven of those crashes and fatalities were OVI related. Of the 9 fatalities in which safety belts were available, seven were unbelted.  

During last year’s reporting period, the Patrol made 458 arrests for OVI. Last year’s reporting period ran from Friday, December 28 through Tuesday, January 1. 

“We take impaired driving seriously and remain dedicated to enforcing Ohio’s OVI laws,” said Colonel Richard S. Fambro. “We can’t fight the battle against impaired driving on our own – we need your commitment to make our roads safe. You can help us save lives and make our roads safer when you designate a sober driver.” 

The Patrol reminds drivers to plan ahead, designate a sober driver or make other arrangements. Motorists are encouraged to report impaired drivers and drug activity to the Patrol by calling #677.

 

Posted by Dan Starcher, public communications specialist for the Wayne County Government.