Yearly Traffic Safety Analysis

628 CRASHES IN
BOWLING GREEN, OH
2021

In 2021, Bowling Green experienced 628 crashes, resulting in 1 fatality and 179 injuries. The vast majority of crashes, 79.8%, resulted in no reported injuries. This indicates a high proportion of property-damage-only incidents within the total crash count.

628

Total Crash Events

1

Persons Killed

179

Persons Injured

15.8%

Hit-and-Run Rate

Note: "Persons Killed" (1) counts individual fatalities across all crash events. "Fatal" in the severity table below (1) counts crash events where at least one fatality occurred. A single crash can result in multiple fatalities.

Source: Ohio Crash Data (ODOT TIMS) · Csv Open Data · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Aggregate counts from crash, person, and vehicle records

99

Hit-and-Run Crashes — 2021

There were 99 hit-and-run crashes, accounting for 15.8% of all crashes in Bowling Green during 2021. This rate reflects incidents where the responding officer's initial determination indicated a hit-and-run.

Vulnerable Road User Casualties

In 2021, there was 1 motorist killed and 173 motorists injured in crashes. Pedestrians sustained 6 injuries, with no pedestrian fatalities. There were no reported injuries or fatalities for cyclists.

0

Pedestrians Killed

1

Motorists Killed

6

Pedestrians Injured

173

Motorists Injured

Source: Ohio Crash Data (ODOT TIMS) · Csv Open Data · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Mode classified from person records (driver/passenger → motorist; pedestrian; bicyclist → cyclist; in-line skater / unspecified → other)

When Crashes Happen

Crashes in Bowling Green peaked on Tuesdays with 109 incidents, and the peak hour for crashes was 3 PM, recording 68 incidents. The majority of crashes, 440, occurred during daylight conditions, compared to 150 crashes occurring in dark conditions.

Source: Ohio Crash Data (ODOT TIMS) · Csv Open Data · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Crash date field aggregated by weekday

Source: Ohio Crash Data (ODOT TIMS) · Csv Open Data · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Crash time field aggregated by hour (0-23)

Crash Severity Breakdown

Of the 628 crashes, 501 (79.8%) resulted in no injuries. Injury crashes, encompassing serious, minor, and possible injuries, totaled 126, representing 20.1% of all crashes. There was 1 fatal crash, which resulted in 1 fatality.

Outcome by Severity (Crash Events)

Fatal1fatal crashes0.2%
Serious Injury11serious injury crashes1.8%
Minor Injury71minor injury crashes11.3%
Possible Injury44possible injury crashes7%
No Injury501no injury crashes79.8%

Source: Ohio Crash Data (ODOT TIMS) · Csv Open Data · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · KABCO injury classification scale

Severity Distribution (Crash Events)

Source: Ohio Crash Data (ODOT TIMS) · Csv Open Data · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Most severe injury per crash record

Road & Environmental Conditions

The majority of crashes occurred under clear weather conditions (351 crashes, 55.9%), on dry road surfaces (465 crashes, 74.0%), and during daylight (440 crashes, 70.1%). Adverse weather conditions, including rain or snow, contributed to 98 crashes (15.6%), while adverse road surface conditions accounted for 149 crashes (23.7%).

Weather

Clear351 (55.9%)
Cloudy158 (25.2%)
Rain65 (10.4%)
Snow27 (4.3%)
Other/Unknown21 (3.3%)
Freezing Rain or Freezing Drizzle2 (0.3%)
Fog; Smog; Smoke2 (0.3%)
Severe Crosswinds1 (0.2%)
Blowing Sand; Soil; Dirt; Snow1 (0.2%)

Source: Ohio Crash Data (ODOT TIMS) · Csv Open Data · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Weather condition at time of crash

Lighting

Daylight440 (70.1%)
Dark - Lighted Roadway85 (13.5%)
Dark - Roadway Not Lighted64 (10.2%)
Dawn/Dusk24 (3.8%)
Other/Unknown14 (2.2%)
Dark - Unknown Roadway Lighting1 (0.2%)

Source: Ohio Crash Data (ODOT TIMS) · Csv Open Data · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Lighting condition field

Road Surface

Dry465 (74.0%)
Wet118 (18.8%)
Snow26 (4.1%)
Other/Unknown14 (2.2%)
Ice2 (0.3%)
Slush2 (0.3%)
Sand; Mud; Dirt; Oil; Gravel1 (0.2%)

Source: Ohio Crash Data (ODOT TIMS) · Csv Open Data · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Road surface condition field

Vehicles & Demographics

Among all persons involved, the 16-20 age group was most represented with 299 individuals, followed by the 21-25 age group with 266 individuals. Ford vehicles were most frequently involved, appearing 188 times, followed by Chevrolet (147) and Honda (137).

Top Vehicle Makes (1,160 vehicles)

1
FORD188 (16.2%)
2
CHEVROLET147 (12.7%)
3
HONDA137 (11.8%)
4
TOYOTA99 (8.5%)
5
DODGE58 (5%)
6
KIA55 (4.7%)
7
JEEP54 (4.7%)
8
NISSAN39 (3.4%)
9
HYUNDAI33 (2.8%)
10
GMC31 (2.7%)

Source: Ohio Crash Data (ODOT TIMS) · Csv Open Data · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Vehicle unit records

77 persons with unknown or unrecorded age excluded from age chart.

Sex Distribution (1,346 persons with recorded sex)

Male685 (50.9%)
Female661 (49.1%)

Source: Ohio Crash Data (ODOT TIMS) · Csv Open Data · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Person-level records linked to crash events

Crash Location (First Harmful Event)

The majority of crashes (535) occurred on the roadway. A total of 87 crashes, representing 13.8% of all incidents, occurred off the travel lanes, including outside the trafficway, on the roadside, on the shoulder, or in the median.

Crash Location (First Harmful Event)

"Other" combines 3 smaller categories (3 records): Off ramp (1), On ramp (1), Driveway/Alley access (1).

Source: Ohio Crash Data (ODOT TIMS) · Csv Open Data · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Crash-level records

Traffic Control Device

The most common traffic control condition reported was 'No Control', accounting for 770 instances. Signalized locations were associated with 223 instances, while uncontrolled locations (No Control, Stop Sign, Roundabout, Yield Sign) collectively accounted for 925 instances, representing 80.6% of reported traffic control conditions.

Traffic Control Device

Source: Ohio Crash Data (ODOT TIMS) · Csv Open Data · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Vehicle unit records

Driver Contributing Factor

The leading contributing factors reported were 'Following too Close / ACDA' (169 instances), 'Failure to Yield' (151 instances), and 'Drove off Road' (35 instances). These factors accounted for 15.8%, 14.1%, and 3.3% of all reported driver units, respectively.

Driver Contributing Factor

1
Following too Close / ACDA169 (28.1%)
2
Failure to Yield151 (25.1%)
3
Other Improper Action72 (12%)
4
Drove off Road35 (5.8%)
5
Improper Lane Change33 (5.5%)
6
Not Discernible28 (4.7%)
7
Improper Backing26 (4.3%)
8
Unsafe Speed15 (2.5%)
9
Improper Turn14 (2.3%)

Showing top 9 of 20 reported. 11 additional (59 total) not shown: Improper Passing, Ran Stop Sign, Ran Red Light, Swerving to Avoid, Left of Center, Improper Start From a Parked Position, Load shifting/Falling/Spilling, Operating Defective Equipment, Improper Crossing, Stopped or Parked Illegally, Wrong Way.

Source: Ohio Crash Data (ODOT TIMS) · Csv Open Data · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Vehicle unit records

Commercial / Truck Involvement

Crashes involved 31 Semi-Tractor Trailers and 6 Other Commercial Vehicles, totaling 37 commercial vehicles. These crashes accounted for 5.9% of all crashes in Bowling Green.

Vulnerable Road Users & Motorcycles

Crashes involved 8 motorcyclists, 6 bicyclists, and 6 pedestrians. The combined total of pedestrians and bicyclists involved was 12, representing 1.9% of all crashes.

Animal-Involved Crashes

Animal-strike crashes totaled 31 incidents, with 29 involving deer and 2 involving other animals. These animal-related crashes constituted 4.9% of all crashes.

Impairment (Alcohol / Drugs)

There were 26 impairment-related crashes, with 18 involving alcohol, 5 involving drugs, and 3 involving both alcohol and drugs. These impaired-driving crashes represented 4.1% of all crashes.

Driver Condition

Among reported driver conditions, 22 drivers were noted as 'Under the Influence of Medications / Drugs / Alcohol'. Additionally, 5 drivers were reported as having 'Fell Asleep; Fainted; Fatigued; etc.', and 4 drivers were noted as 'Emotional'. These abnormal conditions collectively accounted for 3.4% of all drivers.

Driver Condition

1
Apparently Normal950 (90.1%)
2
Other/Unknown68 (6.5%)
3
Under the Influence of Medications / Drugs / Alcohol22 (2.1%)
4
Fell Asleep; Fainted; Fatigued; etc.5 (0.5%)
5
Emotional (E.G.; Depressed; Angry; Disturbed)4 (0.4%)
6
Physical Impairment4 (0.4%)
7
Illness1 (0.1%)

Source: Ohio Crash Data (ODOT TIMS) · Csv Open Data · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Person-level records linked to crash events

Driver Distraction

Reported driver distractions included 17 instances of 'Other distraction inside the vehicle', 8 instances of 'Other distraction outside the vehicle', and 8 instances of 'Other activity with an electronic device'. These specific distractions accounted for 3.6% of all drivers.

Driver Distraction

1
Not Distracted926 (89.6%)
2
Other/Unknown68 (6.6%)
3
Other distraction inside the vehicle17 (1.6%)
4
Other distraction outside the vehicle8 (0.8%)
5
Other activity with an electronic device8 (0.8%)
6
Manually operating an electronic communication device (texting; typing; dialing)4 (0.4%)
7
Talking on hand-held communication device2 (0.2%)

Source: Ohio Crash Data (ODOT TIMS) · Csv Open Data · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Person-level records linked to crash events

Road Alignment

Most crashes (552) occurred on straight, level roadways. Crashes occurring on curves (Curve Level or Curve Grade) accounted for 18 incidents, representing 2.9% of all crashes. Incidents on grades (Straight Grade or Curve Grade) totaled 63, making up 10.0% of all crashes.

Road Alignment

Source: Ohio Crash Data (ODOT TIMS) · Csv Open Data · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Crash-level records

Pre-Crash Driver Action

The most frequent pre-crash actions reported were 'Straight Ahead' (609 instances), 'Slowing or Stopped In Traffic' (188 instances), and 'Making Left Turn' (106 instances). These actions accounted for 52.5%, 16.2%, and 9.1% of all vehicles, respectively.

Pre-Crash Driver Action

1
Straight Ahead609 (52.5%)
2
Slowing or Stopped In Traffic188 (16.2%)
3
Making Left Turn106 (9.1%)
4
Parked80 (6.9%)
5
Backing32 (2.8%)
6
Changing Lanes30 (2.6%)
7
Making Right Turn30 (2.6%)
8
Other/Unknown25 (2.2%)
9
Entering Traffic Lane21 (1.8%)

Showing top 9 of 17 reported. 8 additional (39 total) not shown: Negotiating a Curve, Overtaking/Passing, Leaving Traffic Lane, Walking; Running; Jogging; Playing, Making U-Turn, Entering or Crossing Specified Location, Other Non-Motorist, Driverless.

Source: Ohio Crash Data (ODOT TIMS) · Csv Open Data · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Vehicle unit records

Manner of Collision

The dominant manner of collision was 'Angle' crashes, accounting for 191 incidents (30.4% of all crashes). 'Rear-end' collisions followed with 167 incidents (26.6%), and 'Not Collision Between Two Vehicles in Transport' (single-vehicle or object collision) accounted for 158 incidents (25.2%).

Manner of Collision

"Other" combines 1 smaller categories (2 records): Head-on (2).

Source: Ohio Crash Data (ODOT TIMS) · Csv Open Data · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Crash-level records

Vehicle Type

Passenger Cars were the dominant vehicle type involved, with 570 instances, representing 49.1% of all vehicles. Sport Utility Vehicles accounted for 286 instances, and Pickups for 116 instances. Commercial vehicles, including Semi-Tractors, Single Unit Trucks, and Cargo Vans, collectively accounted for 67 instances, or 5.8% of all vehicles.

Vehicle Type

"Other" combines 8 smaller categories (44 records): Cargo Van (15), Motorcycle 2 Wheeled (8), Bicycle (6), Pedestrian/Skater (6), Heavy Equipment (3), Van (9-15 Seats) (3), Other Vehicle (2), Limo (Livery Vehicle) (1).

Source: Ohio Crash Data (ODOT TIMS) · Csv Open Data · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Vehicle unit records

Person Type

Drivers constituted the largest group of persons involved in crashes, with 1072 individuals, representing 75.9% of all persons. Occupants totaled 333 individuals, while pedestrians accounted for 6 individuals.

Person Type

Source: Ohio Crash Data (ODOT TIMS) · Csv Open Data · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Crash-level records

Person Injury Severity

Among all 1411 persons involved in crashes, 1 individual sustained fatal injuries. A total of 179 persons sustained injuries of varying severity (serious, minor, or possible), representing 12.7% of all individuals.

Person Injury Severity

Source: Ohio Crash Data (ODOT TIMS) · Csv Open Data · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Crash-level records

Occupant Safety Equipment

Safety equipment usage data shows that 'Shoulder and Lap Belt Used' was reported for 933 individuals. In contrast, 'None Used' was reported for 39 individuals, accounting for 2.8% of all persons.

Occupant Safety Equipment

"Other" combines 2 smaller categories (8 records): Shoulder Belt Only Used (5), Lap Belt Only Used (3).

Source: Ohio Crash Data (ODOT TIMS) · Csv Open Data · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Person-level records linked to crash events

Vehicles Per Crash

The majority of crashes (482) involved two vehicles. Single-vehicle crashes accounted for 122 incidents, representing 19.4% of all crashes. Multi-vehicle crashes involving three or more vehicles totaled 24 incidents, or 3.8% of all crashes.

Vehicles Per Crash

Source: Ohio Crash Data (ODOT TIMS) · Csv Open Data · 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31 · Crash-level records

Data Sources & Methodology

Primary Data Source

All crash data in this report is sourced from Ohio Crash Data (ODOT TIMS), accessed programmatically via the Csv Open Data API (SODA). This dataset contains official police-reported motor vehicle traffic crash records maintained by the reporting jurisdiction's law enforcement agency. Records are published to the open data portal by the municipality and are subject to the portal's terms of use.

Data Retrieval

  • Access method: Csv Open Data API (SoQL queries)
  • Data format: Structured JSON via REST API
  • Record types queried: Crash events, person records, and vehicle unit records
  • Date filter applied: 2021-01-01 through 2021-12-31
  • Report generated: July 7, 2026

Data Coverage

  • Reporting period: 2021-01-01 through 2021-12-31 (365 days)
  • Geographic scope: Bowling Green, OH
  • Total crash records analyzed: 628
  • Total persons involved: 1,411
  • Total vehicles involved: 1,160

Analytical Methodology

  • Severity classification: Uses the KABCO injury scale (K=Fatal, A=Incapacitating injury, B=Non-incapacitating injury, C=Possible injury, O=No injury/property damage only), the standard classification in U.S. Model Minimum Uniform Crash Criteria (MMUCC). Severity is assigned per crash event based on the most severe injury in that crash. A single fatal crash (K) may involve multiple fatalities; therefore the "Persons Killed" count in the headline KPIs may differ from the "Fatal" crash count in the severity breakdown.
  • Contributing factors: Reflect the officer-determined primary contributory cause recorded at the time of the crash report. These are preliminary determinations and may not reflect final investigation findings.
  • Hit-and-run classification: Based on the hit-and-run indicator field in the official crash report, as determined by the responding officer at the scene.
  • Temporal analysis: Day-of-week and hour-of-day distributions are computed from the crash date/time timestamp in each record.
  • Demographics: Age and sex distributions are drawn from person-level records linked to each crash event. A single crash may involve multiple persons.
  • Vehicle data: Make information is drawn from vehicle unit records linked to each crash event.
  • AI commentary: Narrative sections are generated by Google Gemini (large language model) based on the structured data. Commentary is descriptive, not predictive, and should not be interpreted as expert opinion.

Limitations & Disclaimers

  • Only crashes reported to and documented by law enforcement are included. Minor incidents, unreported crashes, and near-misses are not captured in this dataset.
  • Data reflects conditions at the time of the initial police report and may be subject to subsequent corrections, reclassifications, or supplements by the reporting agency.
  • Open data portal records may experience a publication lag - recently occurring crashes may not yet appear in the dataset at the time of report generation.
  • AI-generated commentary is produced by a large language model and is intended to highlight patterns in the data. It does not constitute legal, medical, or professional analysis.
  • Percentages are calculated from reported data and are subject to rounding.

Non-Affiliation Disclosure

This report is produced independently by ThatCarHitMe.com (Injuria.ai). It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in partnership with any law enforcement agency, municipal government, state department of transportation, or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Data is sourced from publicly available government open data portals.

Data License

The underlying crash data is provided under the municipality's Open Data Terms of Use and is made available to the public for unrestricted use. This analysis and report is © 2026 Injuria.ai and may be cited with attribution using the suggested citation below.

Corrections & Feedback

If you believe any data in this report is inaccurate or have questions about our methodology, please contact: data@injuria.ai. We are committed to accuracy and will issue corrections promptly.

Suggested Citation

ThatCarHitMe.com (Injuria.ai). "Bowling Green, OH Crash Intelligence Report: 2021." Published July 7, 2026. Reporting period: 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31. Data source: Ohio Crash Data (ODOT TIMS), Csv Open Data. Available at: https://thatcarhitme.com/crash-data/ohio/bowling-green/2021-annual-report

About the Publisher

ThatCarHitMe.com is a crash data intelligence platform developed by Injuria.ai, a legal technology company specializing in traffic safety analytics. We aggregate and analyze publicly available government crash data to produce structured intelligence reports for communities, researchers, journalists, and legal professionals. Our reports combine programmatic data retrieval from official open data portals with AI-assisted narrative analysis.

Questions about this report's data or methodology: data@injuria.ai

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