Traffic Safety Coalition Reminds Ohio Drivers to Exercise Good Judgment and Caution During Fourth of July Weekend

COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 1 /PRNewswire/ -- In advance of the upcoming Fourth of July long weekend, the Traffic Safety Coalition is reminding Ohio drivers to put safety first.  Whether it is packing up the car for a weekend getaway, heading out to watch the fireworks, or visiting with family and friends at a picnic or barbeque, all Ohio drivers should exercise caution and good judgment to reach their destinations safely.  In order to encourage a safer weekend, the Traffic Safety Coalition reminds Ohio drivers to remember these four simple steps when traversing Ohio's roads:

1).  Observe intersection safety:  Obey all red lights and stop signs, and come to a complete stop before turning right on red.  Watch for pedestrians, especially children, who may linger in crosswalks.

• According to national studies, more than 8,500 fatalities annually are caused by crashes at intersections throughout the U.S., with more than 250 of these deaths occurring in Ohio each year.

2).  Check your speed:  Obey posted speed limits, and slow down in areas with increased pedestrian traffic during parades and fireworks celebrations. Also, account for heavy traffic and delays by allowing plenty of time for your trip to avoid speeding to make up for lost time.

• According to the Ohio Department of Public Safety, over one-third of traffic related fatalities are related to speeding.

3).  Buckle up:  Always wear a seatbelt, even for short trips.

• According to the National Highway Safety Administration, wearing a seatbelt can cut the risk of serious injury by 50%.

4).  Don't drink and drive:  While holidays are a time for celebration, do not consume alcohol when driving afterwards.  If drinking, use public transportation, call a cab, or appoint a designated driver.

• According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), on average someone is killed by a drunk driver every 45 minutes and about three in every ten Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some time in their lives.

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

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