CLEVELAND — The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) has reviewed five years worth of fatal crashes on state roadways, identifying the top contributing factors as well as the counties that have seen the most incidents.
The OSHP reports that between 2019-2023, there were 5,773 fatal crashes on Ohio roadways that resulted in 6,262 deaths. During that period, Franklin County (570) led the state in fatal crashes, followed by Cuyahoga (487), Hamilton (319), Montgomery (286) and Lucas (225) counties. Combined, these five counties accounted for 33% of all fatal crashes statewide.
What were the leading causes of fatal crashes?
More than one in four fatal crashes were the result of driving off the roadway, according to the OSHP. Additionally, unsafe speed, driving left of center, failure to yield the right of way, following too closely and running a stop sign were the next top contributing factors in fatal crashes statewide during this five-year period.
“The Patrol’s review found that many of these fatal crashes were preventable,” said Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine in a statement. “All drivers can play a role in preventing more needless crashes by keeping their eyes on the road, keeping their hands on the wheel, and keeping their electronic devices down. It’s not only the right thing to do, but it’s also the law.”
When and where did the crashes take place?
The OSHP reports more than one in three (34%) of the fatal crashes took place between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Fatal crashes occurred most frequently on Fridays and Saturdays (34% combined). Interstate 71 (118), Interstate 75 (118), Interstate 70 (81), and US Route 40 (72) were the leading routes for fatal crashes between 2019-2023.
“You can help make our roadways safer by watching your speed, following at a safe distance and obeying our traffic laws,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, OSHP superintendent. “It is important that motorists do their part to keep themselves and others safe every time they get into a vehicle.”
A closer look at data from Northeast Ohio
Using the OSHP's crash dashboard, here are the fatal crash totals in Northeast Ohio by county between 2019-2023:
- Cuyahoga - 487
- Summit - 207
- Lorain - 108
- Portage - 79
- Geauga - 60
- Medina - 57
- Lake - 51
State leaders say since Ohio enacted tougher laws last year, distracted driving-related crashes have been occurring less often on state roadways.
You are encouraged to call #677 to report reckless or impaired drivers and drug activity.
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