TITLE
A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING AUGUST 2023 AS SAFE DRIVING AND SHARE THE ROAD AWARENESS MONTH IN THE CITY OF GAHANNA
BODY
WHEREAS, in 2022, the Governors Highway Safety Association and Ohio Department of Public Safety reports Ohio had experienced 166 pedestrian deaths (a 95% increase from 2013) and 11 bicyclist deaths; and
WHEREAS, in 2022, the Gahanna Division of Police reports there were two pedestrian-involved traffic crashes within the City: one within a roadway and the other on private property and zero reported bicycle or pedicycle crashes; and
WHEREAS, the most common acute causes of pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities are drunk driving, speeding, reckless driving, and distracted driving; and
WHEREAS, infrastructure that does not prioritize the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists also contributes to vehicle-involved pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities; and
WHEREAS, distracted driving is any activity that diverts one’s attention from driving, including talking or texting on a phone, or being preoccupied with other tasks - where the prevalence of electronic devices and the temptation to use them while driving have contributed to an increase in distracted driving-related crashes involving vulnerable users; and
WHEREAS, the summer months in particular pose increased pedestrian, bicycle, motorcycle, and construction traffic on roadways and streets throughout the City; and
WHEREAS, the City encourages walking and biking by planning more multi-use trails, including the Link to Literacy connecting the Gahanna Library to Creekside, completing the Big Walnut Trail to Pizzurro Park; and
WHEREAS, the Gahanna Bicycle and Trail Advisory Committee has donated their time and talents to improving alternatives for healthy and safe transportation modes and connectivity within the City since 1995, to wit: development of the 1999 Gahanna Bikeways Plan, which initiated the framework for a comprehensive bikeway system throughout Gahanna with linkages to surrounding communities and their annual donations of used, refurbished bikes from the Gahanna Police Department to the Gahanna Christmas Shop; and
WHEREAS, Gahanna is developing an Active Transportation Plan in cooperation with Ohio Department of Transportation, which will identify areas for improvement in safety; and
WHEREAS, e-bikes, e-scooters and other mobility devices are increasing in usage and require additional awareness by motorists due to their increased speeds; and
WHEREAS, “Share the Road” is a simple reminder that roads are for cars, non-motorized vehicles and pedestrians; and
WHEREAS, awareness of one’s surroundings, implementation of safe driving practices and cooperation from all road users will help preserve the public peace, health, safety and well-being of the City, reducing the number of fatalities and injuries on our roadways year-round.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA, COUNTY OF FRANKLIN, STATE OF OHIO:
Section 1. That this Council hereby designates August 2023 as Safe Driving and Share the Road Awareness Month.
Section 2. That this Council encourages parents and guardians to lead by example, as well as talk with their young drivers about distraction and other unsafe behaviors and all the responsibilities that come with driving, biking, and walking.
Section 3. That this Council recognizes that teens can be the best messengers with their peers and are encouraged to speak up when seeing a friend driving unsafely or while distracted.
Section 4. That This Council recognizes the importance of investment in infrastructure that encourages non-vehicle modes of transportation and supports the prioritization of investment in multipurpose trails, sidewalks, and other infrastructure to support the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists.
Section 5. That this Resolution shall be in full force and effect at the earliest period allowed by law.