207 CRASHES IN
OHIO, OH
JANUARY 2021

Of the 4 fatalities recorded, 2 were pedestrians and 2 were motorists. An additional 2 pedestrians sustained injuries. Motorists comprised the vast majority of non-fatal injuries, with 67 individuals injured. No cyclists were reported killed or injured in crashes during this period.

Crash occurrences in Allen County peaked on Fridays, which saw 38 incidents during January. The single busiest hour for crashes was 3 p.m., with 17 events recorded. Crashes were distributed throughout the day, with notable peaks during the morning commute starting at 6 a.m. and a larger peak during the afternoon commute beginning at 3 p.m.

The majority of crashes in Allen County resulted in no injuries, with 156 incidents (75.4%) classified as property-damage-only. Injury-sustaining crashes, ranging from possible to serious, accounted for 48 incidents. There were 3 fatal crashes recorded, which resulted in a total of 4 fatalities.

Severity is per crash event (most severe injury). 3 fatal crash events resulted in 4 persons killed.

While a significant portion of crashes occurred in adverse conditions, many happened in ideal environments. Crashes on dry roads accounted for 121 incidents (58.5%), and 89 crashes (43%) occurred in clear weather. Daylight conditions were present for 99 crashes (47.8%), while the remaining 108 crashes happened during dawn, dusk, or in dark conditions.

Analysis of the 343 vehicles involved in crashes shows that Ford (60 vehicles), Chevrolet (52), and Dodge (35) were the most frequently represented makes. Among the 434 individuals involved, the 16-20 age group was the largest, with 74 people recorded in crashes. The 26-34 age group followed with 66 individuals.

The first harmful event in most crashes, 162 incidents, occurred on the primary roadway. However, a significant number of crashes originated off the main travel lanes. In total, 43 crashes (20.8%) were classified as run-off-road events, with the first harmful event occurring on the roadside (20), shoulder (6), in the median (8), or outside the trafficway (9).

Analysis of traffic controls at crash locations indicates that the majority of vehicles, 230 out of 342, were involved in crashes where no traffic control device was present. Vehicles involved in crashes at signalized intersections accounted for 79 units. Crashes at locations with stop signs involved 26 vehicles.

The most common contributing factor cited for drivers was 'Following too Close / ACDA,' which was noted for 46 drivers. 'Failure to Yield' was the second most frequent factor, attributed to 35 drivers. Other significant factors included 'Drove off Road' (23 drivers) and 'Unsafe Speed' (19 drivers).

Crashes involving commercial trucks accounted for 18 incidents in January. Of these, 15 involved a semi-tractor trailer, while 3 involved other types of commercial vehicles. These heavy truck-involved crashes represent 8.7% of all crashes for the month.

A total of 19 crashes were attributed to collisions with animals, making up 9.2% of all incidents. The vast majority of these, 18 crashes, involved deer. One additional crash involved another type of animal.

While most drivers (273) were listed as 'Apparently Normal,' several adverse driver conditions were noted for 19 individuals. These included 6 drivers under the influence of medications, drugs, or alcohol, 4 who fell asleep or were fatigued, and 4 with a physical impairment. These drivers represent 6% of all drivers with a known condition.

Among the 315 drivers involved in crashes, 21 were noted as being distracted. The most common distraction was an 'other distraction inside the vehicle,' cited for 12 drivers. Electronic device use was a factor for at least 5 drivers, including 2 manually operating a device and 2 talking on a hand-held device.

The majority of crashes, 181 incidents, occurred on straight and level sections of roadway. However, road geometry played a role in a portion of crashes. A total of 19 crashes (9.2%) occurred on curves, while 10 crashes (4.8%) took place on a grade.

The geographic distribution of crashes was concentrated in a few key areas of the county. The City of Lima accounted for the largest volume with 96 crashes, or 46.4% of the county's total. The townships of American (25 crashes) and Shawnee (24 crashes) were the next most frequent locations, collectively representing another 23.7% of all incidents.

Analysis of vehicle actions prior to collision shows that a majority of vehicles, 201 out of 343 (58.6%), were moving straight ahead. The second most common pre-crash action was slowing or stopping in traffic, which was recorded for 42 vehicles (12.2%). Making a left turn was the third most frequent action, noted for 27 vehicles.

Nearly half of all crashes, 103 incidents (49.8%), were single-vehicle events not involving a collision with another moving vehicle. For crashes involving multiple vehicles, rear-end collisions were the most common type, accounting for 49 crashes (23.7%). Angle collisions were the next most frequent, with 35 incidents recorded.

Passenger cars were the most common vehicle type involved in crashes, accounting for 172 of the 343 vehicles (50.1%). Sport Utility Vehicles were the second most frequent type with 84 vehicles (24.5%), followed by pickup trucks at 41 vehicles. Commercial vehicles, including semi-tractors and single unit trucks, were involved in 20 instances.

Of the 434 people involved in crashes, the majority were drivers, accounting for 315 individuals (72.6%). Vehicle occupants (passengers) made up the next largest group with 115 individuals (26.5%). Four pedestrians were also involved in crashes during this period.

Out of 434 individuals involved in crashes, 4 sustained fatal injuries and 69 sustained non-fatal injuries. The non-fatal injuries included 7 serious injuries, 38 minor injuries, and 24 possible injuries. The vast majority of people involved, 357 individuals, were not injured.

Safety equipment usage was recorded for 420 motor vehicle occupants. The overwhelming majority, 354 individuals, were reported as using both a shoulder and lap belt. However, 13 occupants were documented as using no safety equipment at the time of their crash.

The data shows that two-vehicle collisions were the most common scenario, accounting for 117 of the 207 total crashes (56.5%). Single-vehicle crashes were also frequent, with 81 incidents recorded, representing 39.1% of the total. A smaller number of crashes, 9 in total, involved three or more vehicles.