MANSFIELD, Ohio — The Richland County Safe Communities Coalition reports that for the month of December there were two traffic deaths in Richland County. There have been 12 total traffic-related deaths this year in Richland County.
The chart below reflects the five-year totals of traffic-related fatalities in Richland County for December and for the year:
|
Year |
December Fatalities |
Through 12 Months |
|
2014 |
2 |
12 |
|
2013 |
2 |
9 |
|
2012 |
0 |
12 |
|
2011 |
5 |
14 |
|
2010 |
0 |
8 |
According to the Federal Highway Administration’s comprehensive costs for traffic fatalities, each fatality has a comprehensive cost of $1.4 million associated with it. The 12 fatalities this year cost Richland County $16.8 million.
“Traffic-related fatalities are nearly always avoidable,” said Selby Dorgan, Manager of Health Promotion/Education at Richland Public Health and coordinator of the Safe Communities grant from the Ohio Department of Public Safety. “They usually result from poor driving habits such as speeding, tailgating or aggressive driving, and poor operator decisions such as impaired driving, distracted driving, including cell phone use or texting, or not wearing seat belts or motorcycle helmets. This year was unusual in that four of Richland County’s traffic fatalities were motorcycle fatalities.”
Dorgan praised all law enforcement agencies in Richland County, partners in the Safe Communities Coalition, for their vigilance. “It’s important for us to encourage seat belt use and discourage impaired driving,” Dorgan said, “but we need law enforcement out there to drive the message home. Both parts are working together to ensure a safer Richland County.”
