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It’s Time to
“Start Talking” about Ohio’s Growing Drugged Driving Problem
Drugged driving crashes up 25% over the last four years; Ohioans urged
to talk with young people about the dangers of impaired driving
COLUMBUS – As families and friends prepare to gather together during
the busy holiday travel season, the Ohio Department of Transportation
(ODOT) and the Ohio State Highway Patrol are utilizing the state’s 130
freeway message signs, as well as portable highway signs, to raise
awareness about the growing drugged driving problem in Ohio.
The highway signs will display messaging alerting travelers to the
increase in drugged driving crashes. They also urge people to
start talking about the drug abuse epidemic, a reference to the state’s
Start Talking Initiative that encourages parents and community leaders
to talk to their children about the dangers of drug use.
According to ODOT traffic crash statistics, Ohio has seen a 25%
increase in drugged driving crashes since 2012. There have been 3,574
drugged driving crashes already this year, or about 33 percent of all
impaired driving crashes. Driving a vehicle while impaired, whether by
alcohol or drugs, puts the driver, passengers, roadside workers, and
others who share the road at risk.
“Law enforcement officers, first responders, tow truck drivers and the
majority of our workers here at ODOT do their jobs alongside our roads
and highways. Their safety is at risk every time someone gets behind
the wheel while impaired,” said ODOT Director Jerry Wray. “There is so
much that needs to be done to address this problem, but one way we can
start is by talking to young people about the dangers of drug use and
impaired driving.”
“Lives are forever changed when people make the decision to drive after
taking drugs,” said Colonel Paul Pride, Patrol Superintendent. “If you
see drug activity or impaired driving report it immediately to the
Patrol by calling #677.”
Research that shows youth are up to 50 percent less likely to use drugs
when parents and adults talk with them about substance use and abuse.
Governor John R. Kasich and First Lady Karen W. Kasich launched Start
Talking! In 2014 to give parents, guardians, educators and community
leaders the tools to start the conversation with Ohio’s youth about the
importance of living healthy, drug-free lives.
More information about Start Talking is available at:
www.StartTalking.Ohio.Gov
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