April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Ashland County – April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the Ohio State Highway Patrol is urging motorists to commit to eliminating distractions while behind the wheel.
Ohio’s distracted driving law became a primary offense last April after Governor Mike DeWine signed SB 288. When the law took effect, motorists were given a six-month grace period before the law became enforceable. During that time, officers stopped motorists for illegally using an electronic device, educated them on the new law and warned them for the violation. The new law became enforceable in October and during the final three months of last year, troopers issued 3,575 citations for distracted driving violations. This was a 119% increase from the same time period in 2022.
Distracted driving was a factor in 55,857 Ohio crashes from 2019 through 2023. Of these crashes, 169 were fatal, resulting in 185 deaths. In addition, more than 29,000 people were injured in distracted driving-related crashes.
The distracted driving law change has made a clear and positive impact on the safety of Ohio roadways. In 2023, there were 28 distracted driving-related fatal crashes across the state. This was the fewest distracted driving-related deaths over the last five years.
“Ohio’s strengthened law is saving lives by changing the culture around distracted driving, but we still need more drivers to commit to focusing on the road,” said Governor DeWine. “National Distracted Driving Awareness Month is a great reminder for drivers to put their phones down and limit in-car distractions.”
Distracted driving is any non-driving activity with the potential to take the driver’s focus from the primary task of driving, and increase the risk of crashing. Distractions can be visual, taking eyes off of the road; manual, taking hands off the wheel; or cognitive, taking the driver’s mind off driving. Texting while driving is an example of all three types of distractions at once. Sending or receiving a text message takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, the equivalent of driving the length of an entire football field when traveling at 55 mph.
“In 2024, distracted driving enforcement will continue to be a high priority,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol superintendent. “We must continue to educate the public on the dangers and consequences of distracted driving.”
The Patrol reminds you to safely call #677 when you see unsafe driving or if you need assistance on Ohio roadways.
Distracted driving information is available here and on the Patrol’s Ohio Statistics and Analytics for Traffic Safety (OSTATS) Crash Dashboard. Also, PhonesDown.Ohio.gov is a great resource for motorists.
Assistant Fire Chief Ed Stoner conveyed the importance of transparency and accountability in utilizing community donations. “What we’re doing today is trying to let people in the community know what’s going on with their money, what we’re spending their money on that they donate to memorial contributions to.”
The highlight of the donation is a state-of-the-art combi tool, equipped with both spreading and cutting functionalities. Stoner elaborated on its utility, explaining its role in firefighting operations, particularly during vehicle-related incidents. “We purchased this combi tool for spreading and cutting. We use it on fire calls, vehicle fires to open hoods, trunks, things like that.”
Jeff Bullard, representing AMVETS Post 1969, shed light on the organization’s commitment to community service and the significance of their contribution to the fire department. “The AMVETS is a nonprofit organization… those monies that we have… we have to donate it. And it was a pleasure to be able to donate here to the local fire department.”
Moreover, Bullard highlighted the diverse community initiatives supported by AMVETS, including contributions to youth sports facilities and a project to honor military veterans through the display of flags in Hayesville. He emphasized the importance of community involvement in identifying veterans for recognition.
Luke Ricketts, a Factory Representative for Howell Rescue Systems Inc., elaborated on the versatility and impact of the 17c Combination Tool. Ricketts emphasized its compact design, requiring less storage space while delivering exceptional performance in both spreading and cutting operations.
“With its compact, lightweight design, it’s perfect for extrication as well as forcible entry on the fireground with the RIT Tips,” said Ricketts. “The Brute tip is Genesis’ strongest tip for brute force operation such as spreading, peeling, and moving steel. Tips can easily be removed to use the tool as a cutter or to utilize The brute tip, forcible entry tip, or ram extension.”
The end of the event saw Assistant Fire Chief Ed Stoner accepting a check worth $4,000 from Hayesville AMVETS Post 1969, by trustee Jeff Bullard. This donation will assist the acquisition of Genesis Rescue Systems Tools and accessories, further enhancing the Hayesville Fire Department’s emergency response capabilities.
The collaboration between the Hayesville Fire Department and AMVETS Post 1969 exemplifies the power of community partnerships in bolstering public safety and stresses the invaluable contributions of organizations.
Joshua Boucher, 43, of Mount Gilead, Ohio, bond set at1 Million. Boucher faces a third-degree felony charge for “Failure to Comply with an Order or Signal of a Police Officer” under Ohio Revised Code Section 2921.331.
The family of Dawn Boucher has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to aid with the substantial medical expenses incurred after she became the victim of a tragic incident of domestic gun violence. On April 1, 2024, Dawn Boucher suffered life-threatening injuries when she was shot through the cheek and neck by her husband, Joshua Boucher.
The latest update on the GoFundMe page, provided by Dawn’s mother, Teresa, reveals the grim reality of her condition. Dawn endured a grueling 12-hour surgery, and there is now a significant probability that she will be left quadriplegic due to the severity of her injuries.
Dawn Boucher, a dedicated mother of two, Dylan, 25, and Gabbie, 17, is a Nurse Practitioner specializing in mental health care. Described as devoted to her career and a cherished colleague, Dawn also finds solace in caring for animals on her property, including horses and puppies. Her commitment to helping others underscores her selfless nature and unwavering compassion.
The sudden and traumatic nature of the incident has placed immense strain on Dawn’s children, exacerbating their emotional and financial burdens. With the prospect of mounting medical bills, loss of income, and other household expenses, the family is reaching out for support from the community during this challenging time.
The GoFundMe campaign aims to alleviate the financial strain on the Boucher family by covering medical expenses, household bills, and additional needs that may arise, especially concerning transportation and groceries for Dawn’s children. As Dawn starts on the journey of healing and adjusts to her new reality, the family anticipates numerous challenges ahead.
In the face of adversity, any contribution to the GoFundMe campaign will be deeply appreciated by the Boucher family, offering a lifeline of support during their time of need. To donate and stand in solidarity with Dawn Boucher and her loved ones, please visit the GoFundMe Page
Officers responded to 67 E. Chestnut St. at approximately 02:02 pm today after receiving a 911 call that a shooting had occurred. Upon arrival Mansfield Police Officers located a 16-year-old victim inside the residence with what appeared to be a gunshot wound(s).
The victim was transported to Ohio Health Mansfield by the Mansfield Fire Department where the victim was pronounced deceased a short time later.
The Richland County Coroner’s Office will be sending the victim for an autopsy as this is an ongoing investigation.
Major Crimes detectives are working to find out what led to the shooting death as well as to identify a suspect(s). Details are very limited as this is an active and fluid investigation.
Additional details will be released once they are available.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to please call Major Crimes Detective Ronnie Swisher at (419) 755-9432.
Officers responded to 423 Spring St. at approximately 01:49 am on March 30, 2024 after receiving a 911 call that a shooting had occurred. Upon arrival Mansfield Police Officers located a 25-year-old victim inside the residence deceased.
It appears the victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds thus resulting in the victims death. The Richland County Coroner’s Office will be sending the victim for an autopsy as this is an ongoing investigation.
Major Crimes detectives are working to find out what led to the shooting death as well as to identify a suspect(s). Details are very limited as this is an active and fluid investigation. Additional details will be released once they are available.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to please call Major Crimes Detective Rick Clapp at (419) 755-9470.
Joe Lyons •
April 5, 2024
April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month
A portion of County Road 281 in Sullivan Township will be closed Wednesday, April 3rd and Thursday, April 4th for a culvert replacement.
Luke Ricketts, a Factory Representative for Howell Rescue Systems Inc., elaborated on the versatility and impact of the 17c Combination Tool. Ricketts emphasized its compact design, requiring less storage space while delivering exceptional performance in both spreading and cutting operations.
The end of the event saw Assistant Fire Chief Ed Stoner accepting a check worth $4,000 from Hayesville AMVETS Post 1969, by trustee Jeff Bullard. This donation will assist the acquisition of Genesis Rescue Systems Tools and accessories, further enhancing the Hayesville Fire Department’s emergency response capabilities.
Officers responded to 67 E. Chestnut St. at approximately 02:02 pm today after receiving a 911 call that a shooting had occurred. Upon arrival Mansfield Police Officers located a 16-year-old victim inside the residence with what appeared to be a gunshot wound(s).