211 CRASHES IN
CHARDON, OH
2021

In Chardon during 2021, one motorist fatality was recorded, alongside 76 motorist injuries. One pedestrian injury was also reported, while no fatalities or injuries were reported for cyclists.

Crash incidents in Chardon during 2021 peaked on Tuesdays, with 39 crashes recorded, and the most frequent crash hour was 4 PM, accounting for 22 incidents. A significant majority of crashes, 150 out of 211 (71.1%), occurred during daylight hours, while 53 crashes (25.1%) happened in dark conditions.

In Chardon, 161 crashes (76.3%) in 2021 resulted in no injuries, indicating property-damage-only incidents. Conversely, 49 crashes (23.2%) involved injuries of varying severity, including 1 serious injury crash and 26 minor injury crashes. There was 1 fatal crash recorded, which resulted in 1 fatality.

A majority of crashes in Chardon during 2021 occurred under optimal conditions, with 107 incidents (50.7%) in clear weather, 143 incidents (67.8%) on dry road surfaces, and 150 incidents (71.1%) during daylight. However, adverse conditions also contributed to crashes, with 24 incidents in snow and 22 in rain, alongside 46 incidents on wet road surfaces and 53 occurring in dark conditions.

Among the persons involved in crashes, the 65+ age group was most represented with 85 individuals, followed closely by the 16-20 age group with 83 individuals. Regarding vehicle makes, Chevrolet vehicles were involved most frequently in crashes, accounting for 57 incidents, followed by Ford with 48 incidents and Honda with 38 incidents.

The majority of crashes in Chardon, 183 incidents, occurred on the roadway. A notable portion, 26 crashes (12.3%), occurred off the main travel lanes, specifically on the roadside (23 incidents) or on the shoulder (3 incidents), indicating run-off-road incidents.

Analysis of contributing factors reveals that 'Following too Close / ACDA' was the most common improper action, accounting for 60 instances, or 33.3% of all identified factors. 'Failure to Yield' was the second leading factor with 34 instances (18.9%), followed by 'Drove off Road' with 24 instances (13.3%). 'Improper Backing' also contributed significantly with 12 instances.

Commercial trucks were involved in 13 crashes, representing 6.16% of all incidents. These involved 8 'Other Commercial Vehicle' types and 5 'Semi-Tractor Trailer' types.

Animal-strike crashes accounted for 28 incidents, representing 13.27% of all crashes. Of these, 25 involved deer, while 3 involved other types of animals.

Analysis of driver conditions indicates that 10 drivers were noted with abnormal conditions at the time of the crash, representing 2.73% of all drivers. This included 7 instances of drivers being 'Under the Influence of Medications / Drugs / Alcohol', 2 instances of drivers who 'Fell Asleep; Fainted; Fatigued; etc.', and 1 instance of a driver with an 'Illness'.

Driver distraction was identified in 23 instances, accounting for 6.28% of all drivers involved in crashes. The most frequent identified distraction was 'Other distraction inside the vehicle' with 8 instances, followed by 'Other distraction outside the vehicle' with 6 instances. Manually operating an electronic communication device and other electronic device activities each accounted for 3 instances of distraction.

The majority of crashes occurred on 'Straight Level' roadways, accounting for 140 incidents. However, 67 crashes (31.9%) occurred on grades, including 63 on 'Straight Grade' and 4 on 'Curve Grade'. Additionally, 7 crashes (3.33%) took place on curves, combining 'Curve Grade' and 'Curve Level' incidents.

Prior to crashes, the most common pre-crash action for vehicles was 'Straight Ahead', observed in 196 instances, representing 52.4% of all vehicle actions. 'Slowing or Stopped In Traffic' was the second most frequent action with 86 instances (23.0%), followed by 'Making Left Turn' in 26 instances (7.0%).

The most frequent manner of collision was 'Not Collision Between Two Vehicles in Transport', accounting for 68 crashes (32.2%). This was closely followed by 'Rear-end' collisions, which comprised 61 crashes (28.9%), and 'Angle' collisions, which represented 49 crashes (23.2%).

Passenger cars were the most common vehicle type involved in crashes, accounting for 139 vehicles (37.2%). Sport Utility Vehicles were also highly represented with 130 vehicles (34.8%), followed by pick-up trucks with 61 vehicles (16.3%). Commercial vehicles, including semi-tractors, single unit trucks, and cargo vans, collectively accounted for 19 vehicles involved.

Drivers constituted the dominant role among persons involved in crashes, accounting for 366 individuals (75.2%). Occupants represented 117 individuals (24.0%), while pedestrians comprised 4 individuals (0.8%) of all persons recorded in crash data.

Among all persons involved in crashes, 1 individual sustained fatal injuries, representing 0.2% of persons. A total of 77 individuals (15.8%) sustained some level of injury, including 1 serious injury, 34 minor injuries, and 42 possible injuries. The majority, 402 individuals, sustained no injuries.

Among persons with recorded safety equipment use, 'Shoulder and Lap Belt Used' was the most common, observed in 431 instances. However, 'None Used' was reported for 13 individuals, representing 2.75% of those with recorded safety equipment status. Child restraint systems were also noted, including 8 forward-facing and 6 rear-facing systems.

The distribution of vehicles per crash indicates that 143 crashes involved two vehicles. Single-vehicle crashes accounted for 58 incidents (27.5% of all crashes). Additionally, 10 crashes involved three vehicles.