The Stark County Safe Communities program reported that for the first quarter of 2008 there have been 11 traffic deaths in Stark County. This compares with seven traffic deaths for the same period in 2007.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, each fatality has a comprehensive cost of $3,366,388 associated with it. The fatality cost in Stark County for 2008 is now equal to $37,030,268.
"It's up to all of us in Stark County to be smart and to buckle up and not drink and drive," said project director Sharon George. "Our coalition is dedicated to keeping Stark County roadways safe so we don't have to grieve over someone in our community."
The Safe Communities program was developed through the Ohio Department of Public Safety to establish and/or expand community partnerships to create safer, healthier communities throughout Ohio.