258 CRASHES IN
OHIO, OH
FEBRUARY 2021

During this period, there were no traffic-related fatalities in Allen County. A total of 80 individuals sustained injuries, with motorists accounting for 79 of these cases. One pedestrian was also injured in a crash. No cyclists were reported as killed or injured in February 2021.

Crash patterns in Allen County during February 2021 showed a clear concentration during weekday afternoon commute hours. The most frequent time for crashes was the 3 p.m. hour, with 26 incidents. Thursdays and Fridays were the most common days for crashes, each recording 46 events. Overall, crashes peaked between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., and a majority of incidents (158 out of 258) occurred during daylight hours.

The vast majority of crashes in February 2021 resulted in no injuries, with 204 out of 258 incidents (79.1%) classified as property-damage-only. The remaining 54 crashes involved injuries, including one serious injury, 27 minor injuries, and 26 possible injuries. There were no fatal crashes recorded in Allen County during this period.

While a plurality of crashes occurred in clear weather (128 incidents) and on dry roads (122 incidents), adverse conditions were a significant factor in February 2021. Over half of all crashes (133 out of 258) happened on roads affected by snow, ice, slush, or water. Snow was the most prevalent adverse road condition, present in 71 crashes, followed by wet surfaces in 45 crashes. A majority of incidents, 158 crashes, occurred during daylight hours.

Analysis of the 569 individuals involved in crashes shows the 26-34 age group was the most represented, with 98 people, followed by the 16-20 age group with 77 people. Among the 448 vehicles involved, Ford was the most frequent make, appearing in 81 instances. Chevrolet (66 vehicles) and Honda (41 vehicles) were the next most common makes recorded in crash reports.

The first harmful event in most crashes (201 out of 258) occurred on the roadway itself. However, a notable portion of incidents were run-off-road events, with 40 crashes originating off the primary travel lanes. These included 29 crashes on the roadside, 7 on the shoulder, and 4 in the median.

Analysis of traffic controls present for the 448 vehicles involved in crashes shows that the majority, 321 vehicles (71.7%), were at locations with no traffic control devices. Signalized intersections were the location for 80 vehicles involved in crashes, while 42 vehicles were at locations with a stop sign.

Among drivers for whom a contributing factor was cited, 'Failure to Yield' was the most common improper action, attributed to 49 drivers. This was followed closely by 'Following too Close / ACDA' with 46 citations. Other significant factors included 'Drove off Road' (30 drivers) and 'Unsafe Speed' (22 drivers).

A total of 20 commercial trucks were involved in crashes during this period. Of these, 16 were identified as semi-tractor-trailers, and 4 were classified as other types of commercial vehicles. These heavy vehicles represent a category with potential for high-severity outcomes.

Crashes involving animals accounted for 13 incidents in February 2021, representing 5.0% of all crashes. The majority of these, 10 crashes, were strikes with deer. An additional 3 crashes involved other unspecified types of animals.

Impairment was a factor in 15 crashes, accounting for 5.8% of all incidents in Allen County. Among these, alcohol was the sole impairing substance in 11 cases. An additional 2 cases involved a combination of alcohol and drugs, and 2 cases involved drugs alone.

Beyond 'Apparently Normal,' several adverse driver conditions were noted among the 421 drivers involved in crashes. Thirteen drivers were recorded as being under the influence of medications, drugs, or alcohol. Additionally, 2 drivers had a physical impairment, 2 were noted as emotional, one was ill, and one reportedly fell asleep or was fatigued.

While most drivers were listed as 'Not Distracted,' a total of 22 drivers were noted as having a specific distraction. These included 8 drivers distracted by something inside the vehicle and 8 by something outside. Four drivers were distracted by an electronic device, including one who was manually operating it, and 2 drivers were distracted by a passenger.

The majority of crashes (226 incidents) occurred on straight and level road segments. However, roadway geometry played a role in some crashes, with 19 incidents (7.4%) taking place on curves. An additional 18 crashes (7.0%) occurred on graded sections of road, either straight or curved.

The geographic distribution of crashes across Allen County was concentrated in a few key areas. The City of Lima accounted for the largest share, with 102 crashes, representing 39.5% of the county's total. American township saw the second-highest volume with 33 crashes (12.8%), followed by Shawnee township with 29 crashes (11.2%).

Analysis of vehicle actions prior to collision shows that a majority of vehicles, 262 out of 448 (58.5%), were proceeding straight ahead. The next most common pre-crash actions were 'Slowing or Stopped In Traffic,' involving 46 vehicles, and 'Making Left Turn,' involving 36 vehicles.

The most frequent type of crash was a single-vehicle incident, categorized as 'Not Collision Between Two Vehicles in Transport,' which accounted for 97 of the 258 total crashes (37.6%). Among multi-vehicle collisions, angle crashes were the most common, with 75 incidents (29.1%), followed by rear-end collisions with 42 incidents (16.3%).

Passenger cars were the most common vehicle type involved in crashes, accounting for 237 of the 448 vehicles (52.9%). Sport Utility Vehicles (92 vehicles) and Pick up trucks (54 vehicles) were also frequently involved. Commercial vehicles, including 18 semi-tractors and 7 single-unit trucks, were present in these incidents.

Of the 569 people involved in crashes, the majority were drivers, accounting for 421 individuals (74.0%). Vehicle occupants (passengers) made up the next largest group, with 147 individuals (25.8%). One pedestrian was also involved in a crash during this period.

Across all 569 individuals involved in crashes, 80 people sustained some level of injury, representing 14.1% of all participants. This included one serious injury, 38 minor injuries, and 41 possible injuries. The remaining 484 individuals were not injured.

The vast majority of vehicle occupants, 479 individuals, were reported as using both a shoulder and lap belt. However, 25 individuals were recorded as using no safety equipment at all. An additional 19 occupants were secured in child restraint systems or booster seats.

Two-vehicle collisions were the most common crash configuration, accounting for 178 of the 258 total incidents (69.0%). Single-vehicle crashes were the next most frequent type, with 74 incidents (28.7%). Additionally, there were 6 crashes that involved three vehicles.