The Bowling Green State University Department of Recreation and Wellness has been awarded a $50,000
continuation of the Safe Communities Grant for Wood County for the upcoming year, Oct. 1, 2014, through
Sept. 30, 2015.
The department’s Wellness Connection implements the grant.
Safe Communities was created in 2012 to establish a partnership of individuals from law enforcement,
local governments, schools, businesses, health departments and community organizations to collaborate,
creating awareness and prevention of death and injuries caused by traffic crashes.
The grant will allow for the continuation of education and awareness of traffic safety issues in the
county. The main focus is the reduction of fatal traffic crashes due to the issues of impaired driving,
distracted driving, seat belt usage and motorcycle safety.
Safe Communities works to reduce the number of traffic-related deaths and injuries in Wood County through
analysis of problem areas, promotion, and education about proper safety. Its activities include blitzes,
fatal crash reviews, statistical analysis, and increasing traffic safety counter measures. The funds
from the grant are used throughout the year to implement a variety of recognized programs directed to
BGSU and Wood County, including Click it or Ticket, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, and Motorcycle
Safety Awareness.