The Safe Communities Grant continues to address unintentional injuries that are related to traffic crashes. Seat belt usage in Greene County continues to improve. Seventy-five percent of the drivers in Greene County are wearing their seats; an increase from 64% in 1999. Passengers continue to improve in their seat belt usage from 58% in 1999 to 72% in 2005. Seat belt usage saves lives and Safe Communities continues to help the law enforcement agencies pass on the message.
Car seat inspections to keep our littlest rider safe are still being done at the Health Department and at various locations around Greene County. Our car seat technicians will help with any questions that parents have about the proper kind of seat, the Ohio laws, and how to install the seat. The Health Department will also refer you to the closest car seat technician near you.
An additional injury prevention grant from EMS/ODPS has been in place for the past 2 years. This grant has provided car seats for the students in the GRADs program in the Greene County schools. 2006 will be the final funded year for this project. As of March 2006, the Health Department has helped provide seats and education to 105 teen parents.
The Health Department is partnering with the Greene County Sheriff’s Department in promoting the new STOPPED (Sheriffs Telling Our Parents and Promoting Educated Drivers) program in Greene County. This is a voluntary parental notification system adopted by the Greene county Sheriff’s Office to help reduce the number of young drivers involved in motor vehicles accidents. Crashes are the leading killer among young people under age 25. Parents can register at the Sheriff’s Department or call the Health Department for an application.
Greene County Safe Communities Coalition continues to be an active force in the county and strives to uphold the commitment of keeping Greene county residents safe while on the road.
Greene County Sheriff's Department