Safe Communities

Safe Communities is a program under the Ohio Department of Public Safety.  The goal is to work with local groups and law enforcement to reduce traffic fatalities.  Clermont County is fortunate to have the Safe Communities program but unfortunate to have the need for it.   Clermont County is one of the highest traffic fatality counties in Ohio. 

The Clermont County Safe Communities Coalition includes representatives from the Clermont County Sheriffs Department, Clermont County Engineers Office and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.  The Coalition meets quarterly at the Clermont County Sheriffs office on Rt. 222 north of Batavia.  Meetings for 2006 are scheduled for April 20, July 20 and October 19 at noon.

Traffic Fatalities

The top three causes of traffic fatalities in Clermont County are:

• Speeding contributes to nearly 40% of all fatal crashes making it the top cause of traffic fatalities.
• Driving off the road, often due to driver inattention, is the second leading cause of traffic fatalities.
• Assured Clear Distance Ahead (ACDA) or failure to leave appropriate space between yourself and the driver in front of you is the third leading cause of traffic fatalities.

What can you do to avoid crashes and be a safer driver?

• Don't speed!  Watch the speed limit signs and leave plenty of time for your trip.
• Don't follow too close or "tailgate".  Leave at least a 3 second interval between you and the car in front of you.  Count slowly 1-1,000, 2-1,000, 3-1,000...
• Pay attention!  Cell phones, children, food etc can take your eyes off the road. 
• Wear your seatbelt-always!  It is fast, easy, free and it works.  Even if you are just going a few miles; wear it!
• Never drink and drive or get in the car with someone who might be impaired from alcohol, drugs or prescription medication.
• Take time to look around before you turn onto a road.  Look right, left, and right again.

Top ten crash locations in Clermont County:

1. State Route 125 between Amelia and Bethel
2. State Route 32 near McKeever Road in Williamsburg
3. State Route 28 intersection at State Route 132 in Goshen
4. Interstate 275
5. State Route 132 south of Batavia
6. US Route 50 east of Milford
7. State Route 131 east of State Route 132
8. State Route 133 north of Bethel
9. US Route 52
10. State Route 222 south of State Route 125

For more information on Safe Communities or for a free presentation for your group, please contact us.

Click here for "Mocktail" recipes.