Traffic Safety Coalition Encourages Ohio Drivers to Obey Traffic Safety Laws During Busy Summer Months

COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 15 /PRNewswire/ -- As Ohio roads continue to experience increased traffic and congestion during the busy summer months, the Traffic Safety Coalition reminds Ohio motorists to obey the rules of the road, maintain safe speeds, and exercise caution at intersections.  

During the summer, more families travel by car for vacation, joggers, and cyclists use our roads for recreation, and students home from school get behind the wheels of their parents cars.  All these factors lead to busier roads, more distracted drivers, and increased risks for motorists and pedestrians alike.  However, Ohioans can help make roads safer by following basic traffic laws such as obeying red lights at intersections and posted speed limits, especially in areas which experience increased congestion and pedestrian traffic during the summer.

The statistics tell the story.  According to data from the Ohio Department of Public Safety, red light running has led to 336 deaths in the past 5 years.  In 2009 alone, drivers that ran red lights were the cause of 10,883 crashes in Ohio, killing 49 people.  Also in 2009, drivers travelling at unsafe speeds caused 14,808 crashes, contributing to the deaths of 154 people.  

When drivers do not follow traffic laws, safety is at risk.  Traffic crashes are the most significant cause of preventable death in the United States each year.  To keep you and your family safe, do not forget to obey these important traffic safety laws:

• When stopping at a red light, remember to stop behind the stop line or crosswalk
• Always maintain safe speeds, especially when pedestrians, joggers, and bicyclists are present
• When turning right on red, be sure to make a complete stop and allow all pedestrians to pass through the intersection before turning
• Stop before the stop line when there is not ample space for your vehicle to pass completely through the intersection
• Never pass a stopped school bus or activated gates at a railroad crossing

By following these basic guidelines, we can work together to make our streets safer for the people of Ohio – both inside and outside of the vehicle

The Traffic Safety Coalition is a grassroots organization comprised of public safety professionals, law enforcement officials, victims' advocates, health care professionals, academics, and industry leaders who are united in support of sensible policies that protect motorists and pedestrians on our nation's roads.  The Coalition recently launched two public awareness campaigns in Ohio to promote safer roads:  "Slow Down Ohio" which targets speed and "Respect Red Ohio" which focuses on intersection safety.  For more information, please visit www.trafficsafetycoalition.com.

SOURCE Traffic Safety Coalition