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 co...
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