267 CRASHES IN
BEDFORD, OH
2021

In Bedford during 2021, motorists experienced the highest impact among all road users, with 2 motorists killed and 122 injured. Pedestrians accounted for 4 injuries, while no pedestrian fatalities were reported. There were no reported fatalities or injuries for cyclists.

Crash incidents in Bedford during 2021 peaked on Thursdays, with 53 crashes reported, and the peak hour for crashes was 3 PM, with 31 incidents. The majority of crashes, 169 out of 267 (63.3%), occurred during daylight hours. Crashes occurring during dark, dawn, or dusk conditions accounted for 98 incidents (36.7%) of the total.

Of the 267 crashes in Bedford during 2021, 64% (171 crashes) resulted in no reported injuries. Crashes involving any level of injury (serious, minor, or possible) constituted 35.3% of the total, with 13 serious injury crashes, 48 minor injury crashes, and 33 possible injury crashes. There were 2 fatal crashes, which resulted in 2 fatalities.

The majority of crashes in Bedford during 2021 occurred under favorable conditions, with 61.4% (164 crashes) happening in clear weather, 76% (203 crashes) on dry road surfaces, and 63.3% (169 crashes) during daylight. Adverse weather conditions, such as rain or snow, were present in 33 crashes, while wet, snowy, or icy road surfaces were reported in 63 crashes.

Among the 578 persons involved in crashes, individuals aged 35-44 were the most represented group, with 108 persons. The most frequently involved vehicle makes, excluding 'OTHER/UNKNOWN', were Chevrolet with 61 vehicles and Ford with 50 vehicles. Passenger cars were the dominant vehicle type, accounting for 321 of the 491 vehicles involved.

A significant majority of crashes, 222 out of 267, occurred on the roadway itself. Crashes that occurred off the main travel lanes, including on the roadside (13), on the shoulder (10), and in the median (3), totaled 26 incidents. These off-roadway crashes represent 9.7% of all reported incidents.

The most common traffic control condition associated with involved units was 'No Control', accounting for 291 units. Locations with traffic signals were associated with 134 units involved in crashes. Other forms of traffic control, such as stop signs, yield signs, flashers, and roundabouts, were associated with fewer units.

The leading contributing factors identified for drivers in crashes were 'Failure to Yield' with 60 instances and 'Following too Close / ACDA' with 59 instances. 'Drove off Road' was also a notable factor, contributing to 32 reported incidents. These factors represent key areas of driver behavior preceding crashes.

Commercial vehicles were involved in 20 incidents, with 11 semi-tractor trailers and 9 other commercial vehicles. These 20 commercial vehicles accounted for 4.07% of the total 491 vehicles involved in crashes.

Impairment was a factor in 22 crashes, representing 8.2% of all crashes. Alcohol was the primary form of impairment, identified in 18 incidents. Additionally, 2 crashes involved both alcohol and drugs, and 2 crashes involved drugs alone.

Abnormal driver conditions were identified in 24 instances among the 465 drivers. 'Under the Influence of Medications / Drugs / Alcohol' was the most frequent abnormal condition, reported for 16 drivers. Other conditions included drivers who 'Fell Asleep; Fainted; Fatigued; etc.' (4 instances), 'Emotional' (2 instances), and 'Illness' (2 instances).

Among the 465 drivers, 14 instances of specific distractions were recorded. 'Other distraction outside the vehicle' was the most common, cited in 7 cases. Distractions involving electronic devices, such as manually operating a device or other activity with a device, accounted for 4 instances.

The majority of crashes, 203 out of 267, occurred on straight, level road alignments. Crashes on curves (Curve Grade and Curve Level) accounted for 37 incidents, representing 13.9% of all crashes. Crashes on grades (Straight Grade and Curve Grade) totaled 49 incidents, making up 18.3% of the total.

The most frequent pre-crash action reported for drivers was 'Straight Ahead', with 274 instances. 'Slowing or Stopped In Traffic' was the second most common action, occurring 61 times. 'Making Left Turn' was also a significant pre-crash action, reported in 50 instances.

The dominant manner of collision was 'Angle', accounting for 89 crashes, or 33.3% of the total. 'Not Collision Between Two Vehicles in Transport' was the second most frequent, with 74 crashes (27.7%). Rear-end collisions also represented a significant portion, with 59 incidents (22.1%).

Passenger cars were the most common vehicle type involved in crashes, accounting for 321 of the 491 vehicles. Sport utility vehicles (84) and pickup trucks (31) were also frequently involved. Commercial vehicles, including semi-tractors, cargo vans, and buses, constituted 5.5% of all vehicles involved.

Drivers represented the largest group of individuals involved in crashes, with 465 out of 578 persons. Occupants (passengers) accounted for 109 persons, making up 18.9% of all individuals. Pedestrians were involved in 4 incidents, representing a small portion of the total persons.

Of the 578 persons involved in crashes, 434 (75.1%) sustained no injuries. A total of 126 persons (21.8%) sustained injuries, including 15 serious, 59 minor, and 52 possible injuries. There were 2 fatalities, representing 0.35% of all persons involved.

Among participants with safety equipment information, 467 individuals (81.3%) used both shoulder and lap belts. However, 40 participants (7.0%) were recorded as using no safety equipment. This indicates a portion of individuals were unrestrained during crash incidents.

The majority of crashes, 190 out of 267, involved two vehicles. Single-vehicle crashes accounted for 64 incidents, representing 24% of the total. Multi-vehicle crashes involving three or more vehicles occurred 13 times, with one crash involving as many as 9 vehicles.