MOUNT VERNON — The Knox County Health Department has received a $35,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s (ODPS) Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO). The health department uses the funding to coordinate the Safe Communities Coalition which works with local law enforcement and other groups to promote traffic safety issues. The grant is part of the federal traffic safety funding for fiscal year 2014.
Because of the number of people killed or injured each year in motor vehicle accidents, traffic safety is considered a public health issue. “We know that seat belts save lives, and distracted and impaired driving can take lives,” said JoAnn Kerr, a health educator who coordinates the Safe Communities Coalition. “Through education and awareness, it is our goal to help prevent these traffic fatalities.”
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading killer of children, teens, and young adults (ages 5 to 34) and among the top ten causes of death for all ages “In addition to the impact on victims, families and friends, traffic crashes are costly,” said Kerr.
Traffic deaths in Ohio are estimated to cost $1.23 billion annually in medical and work loss costs. “It’s important to remember that crashes are preventable. Using effective programs and policies, we hope to reduce the number of injuries and deaths and their costs,” said Kerr.
Traffic safety priority areas for 2013-14 include seat belt use, impaired driving, distracted driving, motorcycle safety and youthful drivers.
For more information, contact Kerr at the health department at 392-2200, ext. 2232.
