Thursday evening was week three of the BPD’s Citizens Academy, and students heard several presentations.
Kicking off the evening was a presentation from Safe Driving Advocate, John Gordon. Gordon’s son passed away in 2008 as the result of a car accident where the other driver was distracted. Gordon presented to the group statics such as texting is the #1 killer of teens, above suicide and alcohol-related deaths. Distracted driving includes texting, using a cell phone, eating/drinking, talking to passengers, grooming, reading (including maps & GPS), watching or making a video, taking pictures & adjusting the radio, anything that requires looking at a screen, manual skills, or cognitive attention. The National Safety Council estimates that every 24 seconds, there is a cell phone-related crash nationwide. Recently, distracted driving laws changed in Ohio. The ORC 4511.204 states- “No person shall drive a motor vehicle…..while using a handheld electronic wireless communication device….” This is now a primary offense in Ohio.
You can see Gordons complete story at:
Program director, Officer Doug Walters recaps the evening.
The group went to learn about Juvenile Procedures, and how they differ from the adult side of the law.
The evening was wrapped up with a presentation from BPD Officer Evan Standley, who spoke about Patrol Operations.
The BPD Citizens Academy continues next Thursday at 6 PM.
