Health Commissioner Ron H. Graham announced today that the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s (ODPS) Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO) awarded $84,000 in federal traffic safety funding to Lake County General Health District (LCGHD). $42,000 was awarded to perform grant activities in Lake County, while $42,000 was awarded to carry out grant activities in Geauga County for federal fiscal year 2019.
“The data demonstrates that Lake County residents work and vacation in Geauga County; and likewise, Geauga County residents work and vacation in Lake County. Administering both grants to keep the two communities safe just makes sense. Through partnerships with law enforcement and other community organizations, our goal is to reduce the number of traffic-related motor vehicle deaths in Lake and Geauga Counties,” said Health Commissioner Graham.
LCGHD has identified that seat belt usage, improper seat belt use, impaired driving and distracted driving are impacting the safety and welfare of the citizens of Lake and Geauga Counties. To save lives and improve the quality of life for the citizens, LCGHD will use the grant funds to coordinate two Safe Communities Coalitions. Both coalitions will conduct educational campaigns and awareness activities that will promote various aspects of traffic safety.
Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) reports that as of September 24th, 2018 Lake County had nine fatal crashes on Lake County roadways, four being confirmed alcohol-related. OSHP also reports that as of October 4th, 2018 Geauga County had six fatal crashes on Geauga County roadways, with one being alcohol-related.
For more information about OTSO and statewide efforts to improve safety on Ohio’s roadways, log onto https://ohiohighwaysafetyoffice.ohio.gov/index.aspx . For more information on Lake County General Health District, visit www.lcghd.org.
