270 CRASHES IN
BEDFORD HEIGHTS, OH
2021

In 2021, there were no fatalities reported for pedestrians, cyclists, or motorists in Bedford Heights. A total of 97 motorists sustained injuries in crashes. There were no reported injuries for pedestrians or cyclists during this period.

Crash data for 2021 indicates that Friday was the peak day for crashes, with 58 incidents reported. The peak hour for crashes was 6 p.m., also with 21 incidents. A majority of crashes, 172 out of 270 (63.7%), occurred during daylight hours, while 89 crashes (33%) occurred in dark conditions.

In 2021, 206 crashes (76.3%) in Bedford Heights resulted in no injuries. Injury-involved crashes, encompassing serious, minor, and possible injuries, accounted for 64 incidents, or 23.7% of all crashes. There were no fatal crashes reported, resulting in 0 total fatalities during this period.

A significant majority of crashes occurred under favorable environmental conditions: 161 crashes (59.6%) happened during clear weather, 207 crashes (76.7%) occurred on dry road surfaces, and 172 crashes (63.7%) took place during daylight hours. Conversely, 20 crashes occurred during rain and 12 during snow, while 49 crashes happened on wet roads and 5 on icy roads.

The age group 26-34 years was the most represented in crashes, with 110 individuals involved, followed by the 45-54 age group with 98 individuals. Among vehicle makes, Chevrolet was the most frequently involved, with 60 vehicles, followed by Ford with 56 vehicles and Nissan with 37 vehicles.

The majority of crashes, 245 out of 270, occurred directly on the roadway. A smaller proportion of crashes, 12 incidents (4.4%), occurred off the main travel lanes, specifically on the roadside (5), on the shoulder (5), or in the median (2).

A substantial portion of crash-involved locations, 313 out of 511 recorded instances, had no traffic control present. Signalized intersections accounted for 154 instances (30.1%), while stop signs were present in 29 instances. Locations with no control were the dominant category, representing 61.2% of all traffic control mentions.

The most frequently cited contributing factor in crashes was 'Following too Close / ACDA,' accounting for 92 instances. Other significant factors included 'Failure to Yield' and 'Improper Lane Change,' each contributing 28 instances. 'Drove off Road' was cited in 18 instances, and 'Improper Turn' in 13 instances.

Crashes involved 29 commercial vehicles, representing 5.65% of all vehicles in crashes. Among these, 17 were Semi-Tractor Trailers and 12 were other commercial vehicles. This indicates a notable presence of heavy vehicles in the crash data.

Among drivers involved in crashes, 12 were noted as being 'Under the Influence of Medications / Drugs / Alcohol.' Additionally, 6 drivers were reported as 'Emotional,' and 4 drivers had 'Fell Asleep; Fainted; Fatigued; etc.' These abnormal conditions collectively accounted for 24 instances, representing 4.9% of all drivers.

Driver distraction was a factor in 13 instances. The most common specific distraction was 'Other distraction inside the vehicle,' cited in 7 cases. 'Manually operating an electronic communication device' was reported 3 times, while 'Other activity with an electronic device,' 'Passenger,' and 'Talking on hand-held communication device' were each cited once.

The majority of crashes, 207 out of 270, occurred on straight, level road alignments. Crashes on curves (Curve Grade or Curve Level) accounted for 30 incidents, representing 11.1% of all crashes. Additionally, 53 crashes (19.6%) occurred on roadways with a grade (Straight Grade or Curve Grade), which can elevate crash risk.

The most common pre-crash action reported was 'Straight Ahead,' accounting for 247 instances. 'Slowing or Stopped In Traffic' was the second most frequent action, with 101 instances. 'Making Left Turn' was also a notable pre-crash action, occurring in 43 instances.

Rear-end collisions were the most dominant manner of collision, accounting for 94 crashes, or 34.8% of all incidents. 'Not Collision Between Two Vehicles in Transport' and 'Angle' collisions were also significant, each occurring 53 times and representing 19.6% of crashes. Sideswipe collisions in the same direction accounted for 38 incidents.

Passenger cars were the most frequently involved vehicle type in crashes, accounting for 326 instances. Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) were involved in 75 incidents, followed by pickup trucks in 40 incidents. Commercial vehicles, including Semi-Tractors, Single Unit Trucks, and Cargo Vans, collectively accounted for 45 vehicles, representing 8.77% of all vehicles involved.

Drivers constituted the dominant role among persons involved in crashes, with 490 individuals. Occupants, or passengers, represented a significant portion, with 176 individuals involved. One pedestrian was also involved in a crash during this period.

Among all persons involved in crashes, 544 individuals sustained no injuries. A total of 97 persons sustained injuries, comprising 10 serious injuries (A), 23 minor injuries (B), and 64 possible injuries (C). This means 14.5% of individuals involved in crashes sustained some level of injury.

The majority of participants, 523 individuals, used both shoulder and lap belts. However, 17 individuals were reported as using no safety equipment, representing 2.78% of those with known equipment use. Additionally, various child restraint systems were used by 21 individuals.

The most common crash scenario involved two vehicles, accounting for 212 incidents. Single-vehicle crashes represented 45 incidents, or 16.7% of all crashes. Additionally, 13 crashes involved three or more vehicles, with one incident involving five vehicles.