294 CRASHES IN
ASHLAND, OH
2021

In 2021, there were no fatalities reported among pedestrians, cyclists, or motorists in Ashland. Motorists accounted for the highest number of injuries, with 83 individuals sustaining injuries. Additionally, 5 pedestrians were injured, while no cyclists sustained injuries.

Crashes in Ashland showed a clear temporal pattern in 2021, with Friday being the peak day of the week, accounting for 57 crashes. The peak hour for crashes was 4 p.m., with 28 incidents. Approximately 75.2% of crashes occurred during daylight hours, while 19.7% occurred in darkness.

The severity distribution of crashes in Ashland during 2021 indicates that 77.9% (229 crashes) resulted in no injuries, while 22.1% (65 crashes) involved some level of injury. There were 11 serious injury crashes, 37 minor injury crashes, and 17 possible injury crashes. No fatal crashes were reported for the period.

The majority of crashes in Ashland during 2021 occurred under favorable environmental conditions. Specifically, 62.9% of crashes happened in clear weather, 83.0% on dry road surfaces, and 75.2% during daylight. Adverse conditions such as rain (25 crashes), wet road surfaces (42 crashes), and darkness (58 crashes) also contributed to a portion of incidents.

Among all persons involved in crashes, the age group 65+ was most represented with 111 individuals, followed by 16-20 year olds with 96 individuals. Chevrolet was the most frequently involved vehicle make, appearing in 108 incidents, with Ford being the second most common at 94 incidents.

The majority of crashes, 261 incidents, occurred on the roadway itself. A smaller proportion of crashes, totaling 20 incidents or 6.8% of all crashes, occurred off the main travel lanes, specifically on the shoulder (10), roadside (9), or in the median (1).

Among the vehicles involved in crashes, 310 were at locations with no traffic control present. Traffic signals were present for 140 involved vehicles, while stop signs were present for 78 vehicles. This indicates that 72.4% of vehicles involved in crashes were at locations with no signal control (no control, stop sign, or yield sign).

The most frequent improper actions contributing to crashes were 'Following too Close / ACDA' (61 instances) and 'Failure to Yield' (56 instances). Other notable factors included 'Drove off Road' (18 instances), 'Improper Turn' (15 instances), and 'Ran Red Light' (13 instances). These factors represent key areas for potential safety interventions.

A total of 20 commercial vehicles were involved in crashes, comprising 11 Semi-Tractor Trailers and 9 Other Commercial Vehicles. These commercial vehicle involvements represent a significant category within the overall crash data.

In 2021, 8 vulnerable road users were involved in crashes, consisting of 5 pedestrians and 3 bicyclists. Additionally, 4 motorcyclists were involved in crashes. These incidents highlight specific areas of concern for non-motorist safety.

There were 19 animal-strike crashes reported, with 17 involving deer and 2 involving other animals. These animal-related incidents accounted for 6.5% of all crashes in Ashland during 2021.

While most drivers were reported as 'Apparently Normal', 10 drivers were noted as being 'Under the Influence of Medications / Drugs / Alcohol'. Additionally, 4 drivers were identified with a 'Physical Impairment' at the time of their crash. These conditions represent a small but significant factor in driver behavior.

Driver distraction was identified in 14 instances, with 'Other distraction inside the vehicle' and 'Other distraction outside the vehicle' each accounting for 5 instances. Manually operating an electronic communication device contributed to 3 instances of distraction. These specific distractions highlight common factors diverting driver attention.

The majority of crashes, 212 incidents (72.1%), occurred on straight and level roadways. However, 25 crashes (8.5%) occurred on curves (Curve Level or Curve Grade), and 65 crashes (22.1%) occurred on roadways with a grade (Straight Grade or Curve Grade).

Prior to a crash, the most common driver action was 'Straight Ahead', accounting for 296 instances. 'Slowing or Stopped In Traffic' was the second most frequent action with 66 instances, followed closely by 'Making Left Turn' with 64 instances. These three actions represent the immediate circumstances for a significant portion of involved drivers.

The most prevalent manner of collision was 'Angle', accounting for 86 crashes or 29.3% of all incidents. 'Not Collision Between Two Vehicles in Transport' was the second most common at 78 crashes (26.5%), followed by 'Rear-end' collisions with 65 crashes (22.1%). These three collision types represent the dominant patterns of impact.

Passenger cars were the most frequently involved vehicle type, accounting for 251 out of 537 total vehicles, representing 46.7% of all vehicles. Additionally, 30 commercial-like vehicles, including Semi-Tractors and Single Unit Trucks, were involved in crashes, making up 5.6% of all vehicles.

Drivers constituted the largest group of persons involved in crashes, totaling 497 individuals or 72.0% of all persons. Occupants accounted for 188 individuals, while pedestrians represented 5 individuals. This distribution highlights the primary roles of individuals in crash events.

Among all persons involved in crashes, 590 individuals sustained no injuries, while 88 individuals sustained some level of injury. This includes 13 serious injuries, 49 minor injuries, and 26 possible injuries. There were no fatalities among persons in crashes.

The use of 'Shoulder and Lap Belt' was reported for 590 persons, representing 86.1% of all drivers and occupants. Conversely, 34 persons (5.0%) were reported as using 'None Used' safety equipment. This indicates a high rate of seat belt usage, with a smaller but notable portion of unrestrained individuals.

The majority of crashes involved two vehicles, accounting for 222 incidents or 75.5% of all crashes. Single-vehicle crashes represented 62 incidents, making up 21.1% of the total. A small number of multi-vehicle crashes involved three (9 incidents) or four (1 incident) vehicles.