:: SAFE COMMUNITIES ::

Every year hundreds of citizens in every community are injured due to traffic crashes. Traffic crash injuries are the most overlooked public health problems today. But we are working to change that. The Ohio Department of Public Safety is introducing a community-based program designed to create awareness and prevention of injuries caused by traffic crashes.

Safe Communities is a program developed to establish and/or expand partnerships to achieve safer, healthier communities throughout Ohio, and in return, reduce costs associated with injury. Traffic injury is the most common cause of hospitalization and the leading cause of death for persons under age 40. It affects us all - drivers, passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists. It costs millions of dollars in health care and social support resources. Being aware of the effects of traffic injuries and how to prevent crashes from occurring is more than half the battle.

One goal of the Safe Communities program is to achieve a better understanding of motor vehicle-related injuries and associated costs within our own community and how they impact each community's overall injury problem. A Safe Communities program will provide a chance to reduce the number of crashes and injuries. Being aware of the problems and focusing on ways of preventing traffic crashes will benefit all of our lives.

Safe Communities programs work with law enforcement agencies, local governments, schools, businesses, health departments, and community and advocacy organizations to reduce traffic injuries. These programs also actively work with medical, acute care and rehabilitation centers. All groups need to be engaged as integral partners in preventing injuries.

Partnerships and leadership are the foundation for making an injury prevention program work. Safe Communities is your springboard for beginning to cut down on injuries and their related costs in your community.