Fatal crashes in Medina County decrease in 2012

BRUNSWICK, Ohio - Fatal crashes in Medina County decreased in 2012 by 56 percent.

The county had seven fatal crashes with seven people killed last year. In 2011, there were 14 fatal crashes which killed 16 people.

“At a time when we are seeing a 9 percent increase statewide, this makes your reduction a real accomplishment,” said Felice Moretti, Traffic Safety Administrator for the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services-Traffic Safety section.

The Medina County Safe Communities Coalition is actively involved with education, information and
enforcement within Medina County.

The majority of the fatal crashes in 2012 were contributed to by drugs or alcohol.

"This year in Medina County, 6 of our 7 fatal crashes were contributed to by either drug or alcohol related
impairment. As part of the Patrol’s ongoing effort to contribute to a safer Ohio, troopers will have an increased
focus on impaired driving enforcement," said Lieutenant William P. Haymaker, Post Commander of the Medina Highway Patrol Post.

“The key effort of each seat belt usage or alcohol campaign is to keep awareness, education and enforcement high within our communities to prevent fatal crashes in Medina County. As of today, we continue to reach for that goal,” said Lt. Brian Ohlin of the Brunswick Division of Police and Commander of the Medina County OVI Task Force.

The Medina Safe Communities web site has more information and opportunities: http://on.wews.com/VxVPYk

The Safe Communities program was developed through the Ohio Department of Public Safety.