By 1808Delaware
Improving road safety is taking center stage in Delaware County, with a generous $46,200 grant aimed at making the community’s roads safer for everyone. The Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO) awarded the federal traffic safety funding to the Delaware Public Health District’s traffic safety coalition, SAFE Delaware County, for the upcoming federal fiscal year 2025.
Funding to Focus on Priority Safety Concerns
The grant funding, administered by OTSO, is provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It will be used to address some of the most pressing traffic safety concerns facing Delaware County and communities statewide. Key focus areas include increasing seatbelt use, reducing impaired driving, enhancing motorcycle safety, and addressing the risks associated with youthful drivers.
By supporting these targeted priority areas, the funding aims to minimize risks on the roads, particularly those that result in preventable injuries or fatalities. The SAFE Delaware County coalition, known for its collaborative efforts in keeping roads secure, will now have more resources to launch educational campaigns, conduct outreach activities, and improve the overall safety infrastructure within Delaware County.
Strategic Use of Grants to Save Lives
The Ohio Traffic Safety Office oversees the allocation of Section 402 State and Community grants and related NHTSA awards to traffic safety activities. By distributing these funds to partners like SAFE Delaware County, OTSO aims to strategically enhance traffic safety systems in ways that significantly impact communities.
Every year, competitive grant proposals are accepted, reviewed, and awarded based on their projected potential to reduce fatal crashes or improve traffic safety. According to OTSO, partnerships are at the heart of each project’s success. Community members, local officials, and various constituent groups are encouraged to build collaborative frameworks, strengthening their efforts to tackle traffic safety issues effectively.
SAFE Delaware County: A Local Safety Champion
SAFE Delaware County—the Delaware Public Health District’s traffic safety coalition—has been working tirelessly to improve traffic safety. With this grant funding, they will focus on a range of initiatives aimed at reducing traffic accidents and improving driver behaviors.
Their previous campaigns have emphasized the importance of wearing seatbelts, staying sober behind the wheel, and ensuring young drivers understand and follow the rules of the road. The added funding will allow SAFE Delaware County to expand these programs, reach more drivers, and ultimately save lives.
Statewide Road Safety Impact
The efforts to enhance traffic safety in Delaware County are part of a much broader initiative driven by OTSO and the NHTSA to make Ohio’s roads safer for all travelers. From increased seatbelt checks to impaired driving enforcement campaigns, the focus is on reducing traffic incidents across the state.
By targeting the underlying causes of fatal crashes, OTSO hopes to create a significant statewide impact. Delaware County’s dedication to community safety, bolstered by this grant, represents one part of Ohio’s broader efforts to make roadways safer and reduce the heartbreak that accompanies preventable accidents.
For further information on OTSO and to explore statewide initiatives focused on improving Ohio’s road safety, visit otso.ohio.gov.
Source: Delaware Public Health District; Image by kp yamu Jayanath from Pixabay
