There have been 11 fatal crashes in Wood County this year compared to 10 at this time last year,
according to a press release by Wood County Safe Communities.
October is a month filled with traffic safety educational efforts.
Oct. 20-26 is National Teen Driver Safety Week. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for
teens 15-18 in the United States, ahead of all other types of injury, disease, and violence. The amount
of teen drivers of passenger vehicles (15-18 years old) killed in motor vehicle crashes has doubled
since 2016. To combat the issue, Safe Communities in conjunction with the National Traffic Safety Agency
offers parents and caregivers helpful tips and a framework to talk to their teen drivers about risky
driving behaviors that can lead to fatal consequences.
Oct. 20-26 is also National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week. A Sober Tailgate with Athletics will be
held Oct. 19 at the Bowling Green State University football game. This week is designed to encourage
students to choose responsibility and take the opportunity to change the culture of binge drinking on
campus and off.
Wood County Safe Communities reminds everyone that it never and option to drink and drive. When consuming
alcohol, designate a sober driver or plan to use a public transportation method.
Oct. 23-31 is Red Ribbon Week, an alcohol, tobacco and other drug and violence prevention awareness
campaign observed annually in October in the United States. It began as a tribute to fallen Drug
Enforcement Agency special agent Enrique Camerena in 1985. According to the DEA, Red Ribbon Week is the
nation’s largest and longest-running drug awareness and prevention program.