September 2024 Newsletter

September 16, 2024

Vanpool Program: Fewer Cars = Safer Roads

When employees use the Gohio Vanpool program, the number of vehciles on the road is reduced.Ohio employers have a valuable opportunity to reduce the risk of crashes and congestion through the Gohio Commute Vanpool program. This initiative, facilitated by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, allows employees to share rides in a vanpool, reducing the number of single-occupancy vehicles on the road. Vanpooling not only offers a more economical and environmentally friendly way to commute but also helps alleviate risks associated with commuting to-and-from work.

The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission supports employers with a range of resources to help implement the Vanpool program, including an employer toolkit and an employer telework policy guide. There is also the potential for employers to qualify for commute action funds. By promoting this program, you can make a significant impact on reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality, all while offering workers a convenient and affordable commuting option. To learn more about how your company can participate and support your employees’ commuting needs, visit the Gohio Commute Vanpool page.

Pumpkin Spice and Traffic Safety — Nice!

This is an image of a driver slowing to a stop while a child on a bike crosses in the crosswalk.This October, you can play a pivotal role in enhancing road safety in Ohio by focusing on two critical initiatives: Pedestrian Safety Month and National Teen Driver Safety Week.

Pedestrian safety is a growing concern in Ohio, with 149 pedestrian-related fatalities recorded in 2023 alone. Employers can help reduce this risk by distributing safety tips to employees, such as the importance of staying alert in high-traffic areas and obeying speed limits. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Pedestrian Safety page offers resources, including posters, social media graphics and fact sheets that can be shared in company communications or displayed in common areas.

National Teen Driver Safety Week is observed Oct. 20-26 and provides an opportunity to support young drivers in the workplace and employees who have teenage drivers at home. Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for teens in the U.S. You can share educational materials to encourage safe driving habits. The National Safety Council offers resources that can be shared in newsletters, on intranet pages or during employee meetings.

By promoting these free resources, you can elevate safety as a priority for all in the workplace and foster a culture of awareness and responsibility on the roads.