The Ohio State Highway Patrol and Safe Communities, Inc. are remaining vigilant and staying focused on traffic safety in Clermont County.
In 2007, there were a total of 10 fatal traffic crashes in which 11 people were killed. Of those 10 crashes, two were alcohol related and three were drug related (one involved cocaine and two involved marijuana).
“Those numbers are better than they have been in years past as far as alcohol and drug usage,” said Ohio State Highway Patrol Batavia Post Commander Randy McElfresh. “We try and stay realistic, but even one horrible fatality is too many.”
The two motorcycle crashes last year accounted for two of the three drug related crashes. Both riders, who were not wearing helmets, perished from reckless operation and from driving off the roadway.
“This does mark a decrease,” McElfresh said. “In 2006, seven motorcyclists were killed. So we feel that our efforts to increase awareness about motorcycle safety are producing positive results.”