Motorists on U.S. 23 might notice a new decoration on the side of the road — 20 wreaths to memorialize young people killed in traffic crashes over the last ten years.
The memorial is in front of the Delaware Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol and an event to place the wreaths was hosted Wednesday by SAFE Delaware County Coalition. Members of the community joined with law enforcement and family members of crash victims to pin the names of people younger than 20 years old who were victims of fatal crashes to each the wreaths.
Jackie Bain, SAFE (Safety Awareness For Everyone) Delaware coordinator, said authorities have reported an increase in teen traffic deaths and said SAFE Delaware would be forming a SAFE Teen Drivers committee to take action.
Bain said the committee would speak to teens about safe driving and would include survivors of crashes.
“This is not just a message for teens,” Bain said, gesturing to the wreaths. “It’s a message for everyone.”
Bain said everyone gets stressed while driving, especially in a growing county like Delaware that is seeing more traffic and construction. Bain said everyone, not just teens, needs to focus on the road, avoid distracted driving, and drive with integrity.
OSHP Sgt. Ty Skaggs echoed Bain’s comments and said everyone needs to be more alert and attentive.
“We’re not just here for teens,” Skaggs said. “It’s all age groups. It could happen to any of us. Take this time to reflect. All it takes is one momentarily lapse in reason.”
Bain said she spoke with Delaware County Juvenile Court Judge David Hejmanowski who said that in 2016 there were 839 traffic hearings in juvenile court and reported that there have already been 844 in 2017.
Laryssa Hook, an extension educator with 4-H, said it’s crucial that parents talk to their new drivers about safety and good driving habits because parents have a lot of influence on their children.
Bain said Delaware teens these days have a tougher driving situation because there’s so much traffic and stress and that when drivers see a “new driver” sticker on a car they should be more considerate.
“We need to respect new drivers,” Bain said. “Treat them like you would your own family or loved one.”
