Road Safety Leaders
Over the past three years, Ohio has seen a decline in both crashes and fatal crashes due in part to leadership provided by three employers recognized by the National Safety Council with the inaugural Our Driving Concern Ohio Employer Traffic Safety Awards.
These three organizations were selected for Excellence in Traffic Safety:
- City of Sharonville Police Department
- Ohio Operation Lifesaver
- Transportation Research Center
All three have created comprehensive, best-in-class traffic safety programs and demonstrated measurable results. They’ve established policies and procedures while committing to employee education and training. They are striving to keep their employees and residents in the communities where they live and work safe. They’ve set the gold standard.
“These organizations aren’t just following best practices – they’re leading the way on the Road to Zero – zero crashes, zero injuries, zero fatalities,” said Mark Chung, executive vice president of safety leadership and advocacy at the National Safety Council. “I say, we can’t get there soon enough.“
While seat belt use rates in Ohio inched up from 84.75% to 85.2% in 2024, that’s well below the national average of 91.2%. Also, statewide crashes involving serious or minor injuries topped 38,000 – more than 100 every day. So, clearly there is more work to be done.
The National Safety Council, in partnership with the Ohio Traffic Safety Office, is working to build a network of employers across the state who invest in roadway safety. One way to support that initiative is by saluting safety champions through the Our Driving Concern Ohio Employer Traffic Safety Awards program.
Our Driving Concern staff members honored each of the recipients during site visits in September. Learn why they were selected and get ideas to ramp up your own workplace traffic safety efforts in this best-practice brochure.
For more information on the Our Driving Concern Ohio Employer Traffic Safety Program, please visit oh.ourdrivingconcern.org or email [email protected].
Let’s Walk the Talk
Pedestrian Safety Month is a timely reminder that everyone is a pedestrian at some point during the day – whether walking to a meeting, crossing a parking lot or heading to lunch. This October, let’s amplify safety messaging across all platforms and commit to safer roads for all.
Why It Matters
In 2023, data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows:
- Pedestrian fatalities remain high; in 2023, 7,314 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes, a sobering statistic even with a slight decrease from 2022
- Injuries are on the rise; 68,244 pedestrians were injured, a 1% increase from the previous year
- Every 72 minutes, a pedestrian died in a traffic crash, and every eight minutes, one was injured
Safety Starts with Awareness
Whether you’re walking, rolling, biking or driving, safety is a shared responsibility. Key reminders:
- Pedestrians have the right of way at intersections; drivers must yield and stay alert
- Drive sober and slow down; speed and impairment are major contributors to pedestrian fatalities
- Celebrate walking as a healthy, sustainable form of transportation, but do it safely
Special Considerations
- Older adults and individuals using assistive devices may need extra time to cross; be patient and yield.
- School zones are high-risk areas; slow down and watch for children walking or biking
- Stop for school buses; every state has laws requiring drivers to stop when the bus stop-arm is extended.
Know the Risks
According to the National Safety Council:
- Urban areas account for 84% of pedestrian fatalities
- Most fatalities (74%) occur away from intersections
- 77% happen in the dark — visibility matters
Let’s Make Safety a Habit
Safety is at the heart of everything we do. This Pedestrian Safety Month, join us in promoting safe behaviors for all road users. Whether you’re behind the wheel or on foot, your actions can save lives.
Drive responsibly. Walk mindfully. Everyone deserves to get home safely.