284 CRASHES IN
OHIO, OH
DECEMBER 2021

In December 2021, motorists accounted for all fatalities and the vast majority of injuries. One motorist was killed and 110 were injured in crashes. Additionally, three pedestrians were injured in collisions. No cyclists were reported as killed or injured during this period.

Crash occurrences in Allen County peaked on Wednesdays, with 56 incidents reported in December 2021. The most frequent time for crashes was the 1 p.m. hour, which saw 27 collisions. Crashes were concentrated in the afternoon and evening, with 137 incidents, or 48.2% of the total, occurring between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Of the 284 crashes, 205 (72.2%) resulted in no injuries, involving only property damage. The remaining 78 crashes (27.5%) involved at least one reported injury, ranging from possible to serious. One fatal crash was recorded during this period. The number of fatalities can differ from the number of fatal crashes, as a single incident may result in multiple deaths.

A significant portion of crashes occurred in seemingly ideal conditions, with 135 (47.5%) happening in clear weather and 179 (63.0%) on dry road surfaces. Collisions in daylight accounted for 140 incidents, or 49.3% of the total. Adverse conditions were also a factor, with 100 crashes (35.2%) taking place on wet roads and 42 (14.8%) occurring during rain.

Analysis of the 643 people involved in crashes shows the 16-20 age group was the most represented, with 102 individuals, followed by the 26-34 age group with 92. Among the 482 vehicles involved, Ford was the most frequent make with 92 vehicles, followed by Chevrolet with 86. Honda and Dodge vehicles were each involved in 33 incidents.

The first harmful event in most crashes, 244 out of 284, occurred on the primary roadway. A total of 28 incidents, representing 9.9% of all crashes, were classified as run-off-road events, with the initial impact happening on the roadside, shoulder, or in the median.

Analysis of traffic controls for vehicles involved in crashes shows a majority, 320 out of 481 units with known control types, were at locations with no traffic control device present. Signalized intersections were the location for 110 vehicles involved in crashes. Another 39 vehicles were involved in crashes at locations with a stop sign.

The most common contributing factor cited for drivers was 'Failure to Yield,' attributed to 50 vehicles. This was closely followed by 'Following too Close / ACDA' with 49 vehicles. Other significant factors included 'Drove off Road' (22 vehicles), 'Unsafe Speed' (20 vehicles), and 'Improper Lane Change' (19 vehicles).

A total of 18 commercial vehicles were involved in crashes during this period. Of these, 17 were identified as semi-tractor-trailers and one was classified as another type of commercial vehicle.

Crashes involving animals accounted for 57 incidents, or 20.1% of all crashes in December. The vast majority of these, 55 crashes, were strikes involving deer. An additional two crashes involved other types of animals.

Excluding drivers noted as 'Apparently Normal' or 'Unknown,' 15 drivers were recorded with a specific adverse condition. Six drivers were noted as being under the influence of medications, drugs, or alcohol. An additional 5 were described as emotional, 2 as fatigued or having fallen asleep, and 2 with a physical impairment.

Among drivers for whom a distraction was specified, 16 were noted as being distracted. Six drivers were distracted by something outside the vehicle, and 5 by something inside the vehicle. Electronic devices were a factor for 5 drivers, with 3 manually operating a device and 2 engaged in another activity with a device.

The majority of crashes, 251 incidents, occurred on straight and level road segments. However, roadway geometry was a feature in some crashes, with 22 incidents (7.7%) occurring on curves. An additional 16 crashes (5.6%) took place on graded sections of road.

Crashes were geographically concentrated, with the city of Lima accounting for 94 incidents, or 33.1% of the county's total. The townships of American and Bath followed, with 46 and 34 crashes, respectively. Shawnee township recorded 32 crashes, and Sugar Creek township had 12.

The most common pre-crash action for the 482 vehicle units involved was 'Straight Ahead,' accounting for 278 units or 57.7% of the total. A significant number of vehicles were 'Slowing or Stopped In Traffic' (67 units) or 'Making Left Turn' (43 units) immediately prior to their respective collisions.

The most frequent crash type was single-vehicle incidents, categorized as 'Not Collision Between Two Vehicles in Transport,' which accounted for 126 crashes or 44.4% of the total. Among multi-vehicle crashes, angle collisions were the most common type with 59 incidents (20.8%), followed by rear-end collisions with 49 incidents (17.3%).

Passenger cars were the most common vehicle type involved in crashes, accounting for 238 of the 482 units (49.4%). Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) were the second most frequent with 115 units (23.9%). Trucks, vans, and buses collectively represented a notable share, including 64 pickups and 18 semi-tractors.

Of the 643 individuals involved in crashes, the majority were drivers, accounting for 458 people or 71.2% of the total. Passengers (occupants) made up the next largest group with 182 individuals (28.3%). Three pedestrians were also involved in crashes during this period.

Among the 643 people involved in crashes, 113 sustained an injury, and one person was fatally injured. The 113 injuries included 5 serious injuries, 56 minor injuries, and 52 possible injuries. The remaining 515 individuals were recorded as having no injuries.

The vast majority of vehicle occupants, 550 people, were reported as using both a shoulder and lap belt. However, 20 individuals were recorded as using no safety equipment at the time of their crash. An additional 17 occupants were using child restraint systems, including forward-facing seats, rear-facing seats, and booster seats.

Two-vehicle collisions were the most common scenario, accounting for 166 of the 284 crashes (58.5%). Single-vehicle crashes were also frequent, with 104 incidents reported, making up 36.6% of the total. Multi-vehicle pile-ups involving three or more vehicles were less common, with 14 such crashes recorded.