SPRINGFIELD, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has introduced a pioneering traffic safety program designed to address critical concerns within Springfield’s Haitian community and Clark County at large. This comprehensive initiative, reflecting a broader dedication to enhancing public welfare, safety, and educational standards in the region, aims to provide members of the Haitian migrant population with crucial driving expertise through cutting-edge simulator technology.
During a Springfield press conference, the program was revealed as a strategic response to a pressing challenge facing many Haitian migrants: insufficient formal driver training.
This knowledge gap has created obstacles in understanding Ohio’s road systems and traffic regulations. The expanding Haitian community has increasingly voiced their apprehensions about road safety and the complexities of adapting to American driving standards.
Since Haitian immigrants moved to Springfield, there has been an increase in the accident rate in the city. This situation is due to a lack of driving skills, explained local government officials who have adopted additional measures to mitigate the issue.
Addressing Traffic Safety
Governor DeWine underscored the program’s significance for the Haitian community.
“A major challenge we’ve identified among migrants in Clark County is their unfamiliarity with local driving conditions,” DeWine explained. “Thanks to the generous contributions from the Maria Tiberi Foundation and Virtual Driver Interactive, this innovative program will enable the Haitian community to master road regulations and develop defensive driving techniques essential for everyone’s safety.”
The initiative features ten state-of-the-art driving simulators, provided through donations from the Maria Tiberi Foundation and Virtual Driver Interactive. These advanced systems create an immersive, risk-free environment where new drivers can develop and refine crucial skills, including weather condition management, distraction avoidance, traffic navigation, and speed awareness.
Dom Tiberi, co-founder of the Maria Tiberi Foundation, emphasized the program’s value:
“Enhanced driver education is crucial, and these simulators represent significant progress. Highway learning isn’t the answer. I’m convinced simulator training is an invaluable educational resource.”
Accessibility and Training
To maximize accessibility for the Haitian community, the driving simulators have been distributed across seven strategic locations throughout Clark County:
- Clark County Department of Job and Family Services (2)
- Clark State College (2)
- Springfield-Clark Career Technology Center (3)
- High Street Church of the Nazarene (1)
- First Haitian Evangelical Church of Springfield (1)
- Life in Christ Community Church (1)
Each location is staffed with qualified instructors, including Haitian Creole interpreters. The training is complimentary and available to both aspiring drivers and licensed individuals seeking to enhance their adverse weather driving capabilities.
Broader Community Impact
Road safety represents a vital concern for Clark County’s Haitian community. Many newcomers possess limited driving experience or formal instruction, contributing to increased road risks. This program represents part of a comprehensive effort by state and local authorities to facilitate Haitian migrants’ integration into Springfield society.
Governor DeWine also reported significant developments in healthcare and education initiatives tailored to this growing demographic’s needs.
Healthcare Improvements
In September, Governor DeWine instructed the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) to partner with the Clark County Combined Health District (CCCHD) on a $2.5 million program targeting healthcare waitlist reduction. This effort has included mobile health services and additional nursing support.
Key achievements include:
- Vaccination services for over 1,400 residents covering COVID-19, flu, and RSV.
- Extensive blood pressure monitoring and medical referrals.
- WIC program registration or renewal for more than 600 residents.
- Creation of a baby formula resource center with Second Harvest Food Pantry.
The Governor confirmed plans to establish a permanent healthcare facility in Springfield, replacing the mobile clinic to ensure sustained healthcare access for both Haitian community members and other residents.
Education Initiatives
Springfield City School District has received state grants exceeding $1.3 million to support students impacted by Haitian migration. These funds have enabled interpreter hiring, procurement of 460 translation devices, and expanded mental health support services for all students.
“Our educational institutions are crucial in welcoming these families,” DeWine noted. “This funding ensures equal access to educational resources for all students, regardless of their origins.”
Community Reactions
Local leadership and Haitian community members have responded positively to the initiative. Pastor Jean Claude Joseph of the First Haitian Evangelical Church of Springfield, which hosts a simulator, described the program as “transformative for our community.”
“Safe driving isn’t just a skill—it’s essential for American life,” Pastor Joseph remarked. “This program will protect lives and facilitate smoother community integration.”
The Road Ahead
As Haitian migration to Clark County continues, such programs are essential in addressing this population’s specific challenges. Governor DeWine’s holistic approach – incorporating traffic safety, healthcare, and education – strives to create an environment where all residents can flourish.
Mike DeWine is a moderate Republican governor. He and other local government officials have stepped up for the Haitian community in Springfield many times, especially when then-candidate Donald Trump falsely accused Haitians in Springfield of eating residents’ pets.
According to several reports, many Haitian immigrants are now trying to leave Springfield following Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential elections.
For driving simulator information, community members can reach the Ohio Traffic Safety Office at trafficsafety@dps.ohio.gov.
About the Author
Emmanuel Paul is an award-winning journalist and founder of the Caribbean Television Network (CTN), focusing on elevating immigrant community voices in the United States. His work champions systemic equality and community empowerment.