Safe Communities of Wright County Announces Dramatic Crash Rate Reduction
9 November 1999
Safe Communities of Wright County Announces Dramatic Crash Rate Reduction
BUFFALO, Minn., Nov. 8 -- Motor vehicle crashes in eastern
Wright County decreased 20 percent in 1998, according to a report released
today by Safe Communities of Wright County. This dramatic decline in crashes
is underscored when compared to Wright County as a whole, which decreased
11 percent, and the state of Minnesota, which decreased 8 percent during the
same time period.
The statewide crash rate decline has been attributed to mild winter
weather. While the 20 percent decline in eastern Wright County is more
attributable to road conditions than weather, neither weather nor roads can
fully account for the magnitude of the decrease.
"We are very encouraged to see the crash rate declining in eastern Wright
County and want to thank the community, school, health care and government
agencies for their continued support," said Judie Rose, chair, Safe
Communities of Wright County board and director of community relations,
Karrington Assisted Living, Buffalo.
Driver inattention and failure to yield continue to contribute to most
crashes. To help remind Wright County residents to pay attention to the road,
Safe Communities of Wright County has posted "Concentrate on Driving" signs
throughout eastern Wright County. They also have launched a public service
advertising campaign designed to educate Wright County drivers and focus their
attention on the road.
Although there were declines in the number of crashes across drivers of
virtually all ages, the greatest decline was seen in those 25 to 29 years of
age. Drivers under age 19 continue to be involved in a disproportionately high
number of crashes. To help new drivers gain the experience they need, Safe
Communities of Wright County is hosting Parent - Teen Driver's Education
meetings. Local experts share their personal experiences during these
meetings including an emergency physician, law enforcement officials, a public
health educator and drivers' education experts. The meetings are designed to
help parents become good coaches and provide the resources and support needed
for teens to learn safe, responsible driving habits.
"While many factors play a part in roadway safety, to see our areas of
focus actually play out into measurable results is very rewarding," said Anita
Berg, principal investigator, Safe Communities of Wright County and director,
research and quality, Allina Medical Transportation. "Safe Communities is a
true community collaboration and all of the supporting partners can be proud
of the difference they've made in Wright County safety."
The coalition spearheading Safe Communities of Wright County includes
citizens and community leaders from: Allina Health System, Allina Health
System Foundation, Buffalo Hospital, Allina Medical Transportation, Medica
Health Plan, Buffalo Police Dept., Community Health Foundation of Wright
County, Minnesota Department of Public Safety, School Districts 877 (Buffalo,
Hanover, Montrose), 883 (Rockford), 885 (St. Michael, Albertville), Wright
County Highway Department, Wright County Public Health, and Wright County
Sheriff's Office.
For more information or to get involved in Safe Communities of Wright
County, call 612-497-5549.