BGSU receives $46,200 state grant to continue Safe Communities of Wood County program

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - For the ninth year in a row, Bowling Green State University has received a grant from the Ohio Traffic Safety Office to continue the Safe Communities of Wood County program through Sept. 30, 2023. This year's grant totals $46,200, including a $4,200 increase for interactive teen programming in area schools.

Started in 2012, Safe Communities of Wood County works with BGSU to reduce the number of traffic-related deaths and injuries in the county through analysis and educational outreach. Program goals include coalition building and fatality data review.

Committed to serving the public good, money from the newly awarded grant will help continue education and awareness initiatives regarding the use of seatbelts, operating a vehicle impaired, motorcycle safety, distracted driving and pedestrian awareness. Safe Communities of Wood County will also continue to participate in community events and outreach opportunities at local businesses and professional organizations.

Through BGSU, Safe Communities of Wood County maintains effective partnerships with individuals from law enforcement, local governments, schools, businesses and community organizations to create awareness and prevention of death and injuries caused by traffic crashes.

For more information and to get involved, contact Sandy Wiechman, program coordinator, at swiechm@bgsu.edu.