COLUMBUS, OH - Law enforcement officers at Shawnee State Forest and at selected state parks will again encourage heightened roadway safety awareness this summer through the "Parks Safe" program, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Now in its third year, "Parks Safe" is part of a statewide effort to increase roadway patrols during busy holiday periods.
A $64,579 grant from the Ohio Department of Public Safety will help state park officers increase their patrol efforts and raise public awareness and increase enforcement of state laws regarding speed, seat belt use and driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. The overall goals of the statewide program are to reduce the rate of crashes, reduce the instances of serious injuries or death, and increase the use of safety belts.
"Since our state parks are such popular destinations for summer travelers, it makes sense that we are part of this statewide effort," said Dan West, chief of Ohio State Parks. "The same good driving habits that make for safe highways - like watching your speed and buckling up - make for safer parks for families enjoying the great outdoors."
In addition to patrols on the upcoming July 4th holiday and the Labor Day weekend, two unstaffed speed-alert trailers will be used at several locations to remind motorists to watch their speeds in areas where pedestrians and bicyclists may be sharing park roads.
Shawnee State Forest is participating in "Parks Safe" for the first time this year. In addition, the following Ohio State parks are also participating: Buck Creek in Clark County, Caesar Creek in Warren and Clinton counties, Cleveland Lakefront in Cuyahoga County, East Fork in Clermont County, Geneva in Ashtabula County, Hueston Woods in Preble and Butler counties, Lake Milton in Mahoning County, Maumee Bay in Lucas County, Mohican in Ashland County, Mosquito Lake in Trumbull County, Portage Lakes in Summit County, Punderson in Geauga County, Pymatuning in Ashtabula County, and Shawnee in Scioto County.
For Further Information Contact:
Bob Dorinsky, Ohio State Parks
(614) 265-6560
-or-
Jane Beathard, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6860