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A JOINT RESOLUTION AND PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING DECEMBER 2024 AS “NATIONAL IMPAIRED DRIVING PREVENTION MONTH” IN THE CITY OF GAHANNA
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WHEREAS, National Impaired Driving Prevention Month has been observed for over 40 years to raise awareness that impaired driving can be deadly, and to put strategies in place for all of us to make it home safely; and
WHEREAS, Impaired driving not only puts the driver at risk, but also endangers the lives and safety of passengers and others sharing the road; and
WHEREAS, The holiday season is known for being merry and bright, but it also is the deadliest season for impaired driving; and
WHEREAS, For the past 20 years, drivers with a blood alcohol concentration at or above the legal limit of 0.08 have accounted for one-third of all traffic fatalities in the U.S., which equates to more than 10,000 lives lost each year; and
WHEREAS, In addition to alcohol, other factors such as illicit drugs, over-the-counter and prescription medicines, fatigue, and stress can impair driving by causing drowsiness, altering visual functions, and affecting mental judgment and motor skills; and
WHEREAS, From January through November 2024, there have been 37 OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) crashes in the City of Gahanna compared to 37 OVI crashes in 2023; and
WHEREAS, From January through November 2024, the Gahanna Division of Police have made 193 OVI arrests in the City, compared to 184 OVI arrests during 2023; and
WHEREAS, The City of Gahanna expresses its appreciation to the Gahanna Division of Police for their ongoing efforts to enhance public safety by protecting Gahanna’s citizens and its roadways through the detection and arrest of impaired drivers.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT JOINTLY RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL AND PROCLAIMED BY THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA, COUNTY OF FRANKLIN, STATE OF OHIO:
Section 1. That City Council and the Mayor join in designating December 2024 as “National Impaired Driving Prevention Month” in the City of Gahanna.
Section 2. That City Council and the Mayor urge citizens to make responsible decisions and take appropriate measures to reduce the incidence of impaired driving.
Section 3. This joint resolution and proclamation shall be in full effect at the earliest period allowed by law.