Traffic safety grants coming to Lake, Geauga

The Lake County General Health District has been awarded an $84,000 grant through the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Ohio Traffic Safety Office.

The funds will be split evenly—$42,000 each—between Lake and Geauga counties.

The health district stated the funds will be used to coordinate two Safe Communities Coalitions. The coalitions will conduct educational campaigns and awareness activities that will promote various aspects of traffic safety.

Seat belt usage, improper seat belt use, impaired driving and distracted driving are impacting the safety and welfare of the citizens, according to the health district.

“The data demonstrates that Lake County residents work and vacation in Geauga County; and likewise, Geauga County residents work and vacation in Lake County,” Health Commissioner Ron Graham said. “Administering both grants to keep the two communities safe just makes sense. Through partnerships with law enforcement and other community organizations, our goal is to reduce the number of traffic-related motor vehicle deaths in Lake and Geauga counties.”

So far in 2017, two fatal crashes in Lake County were confirmed to be alcohol related. One fatal crash in Geauga County has been confirmed to be alcohol related.

As of Oct. 29, there have been three fewer fatal crashes in Lake County compared to the same period last year and five fewer in Geauga County.