One Traffic Fatality in Licking County in March 2024

The Licking County Health Department’s (LCHD) Safe Communities Coalition reported one crash fatality in the county during March 2024. During March 2023, there were no crash fatalities reported. Year-to-date (March 31, 2024), there have been three crash fatalities in Licking County. At this time last year, there were three crash fatalities year-to-date (March 31, 2023). Our sincere condolences to the families and loved ones involved.

April is distracted driving awareness month. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) urges drivers to put their phones away when behind the wheel. If you are the driver, follow these steps for a safe drive:

• If you are expecting a text message or need to send one, pull over and park your car in a safe location.
• Ask your passenger to be your “designated texter.” Allow them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages.
• Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving.
• Cell phone use is habit-forming. Struggling to not text and drive? Activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature, silence notifications, or put your phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of your vehicle until you arrive at your destination.

Cell phone use while driving is dangerous and illegal. Break the cycle. Remember: Put the Phone Away or Pay.

For more information, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.

The Safe Communities Coalition is a group of community partners with the goal to reduce traffic-related deaths. It is administered by the Licking County Health Department and provides monthly traffic fatality updates to the community. It is the Coalition’s mission to educate the public about the consequences of dangerous driving behaviors such as drinking and driving, reckless driving, distracted driving, not wearing a seat belt, and not wearing a helmet when operating a motorcycle.

For more information on traffic safety issues and crash data in Licking County visit the Ohio State Highway Patrol website.