Traffic fatalities are on the rise across Ohio, and so much so that Ohio road deaths have reached their highest number in almost two decades. There are a number of factors contributing to the uptick in traffic deaths, so learning how to reduce or eliminate these factors should help protect everyone traveling the state’s roadways.
According to the Dayton Daily News, Ohio saw more traffic deaths during 2021 than it did in any year since 2002.
Ohio traffic death statistics
In 2020, 1,230 people lost their lives in car wrecks on Ohio roadways. In 2021, 1,360 people died in Ohio traffic wrecks, inching closer to 2002’s 1,417 traffic death high. There were also 1,227 fatal crashes that took place across the state last year. This is the highest number of crashes seen in at least five years. While these crashes all produced at least one road death, many of them also resulted in serious injuries to motorists or passengers.
Contributing factors
There are many reasons Ohio traffic deaths have been increasing despite the fact that fewer drivers have been taking to state roadways. A lack of seat belt use is a contributor, with the number of fatal crashes where motorists or passengers were not wearing seat belts increasing by 21% in 2021. Crashes involving alcohol or speed are also on the rise across the state, with wrecks involving speed increasing steadily for the third year in a row.
While fatal crashes are on the rise across Ohio, so, too, are car wrecks resulting in serious injuries. Drivers who drive recklessly and cause harm to others may face legal repercussions.
