4,582 CRASHES IN
OHIO, OH
2021

In 2021, motorists comprised the largest group of individuals killed or injured in Clermont County crashes, with 17 fatalities and 1,470 injuries. Among vulnerable road users, there were 2 pedestrian fatalities and 15 pedestrian injuries recorded. No cyclists were reported as killed or injured during this period.

Crash occurrences in Clermont County peaked on Fridays, with 823 incidents recorded in 2021. The most frequent time for crashes was during the afternoon commute, with the hours of 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. each accounting for 382 crashes. A significant majority of incidents, 3,169 in total, occurred during daylight hours.

In 2021, the majority of crashes (77.0%) in Clermont County resulted in no injuries. Injury-related crashes accounted for 22.6% of the total, distributed among serious (1.7%), minor (13.1%), and possible injuries (7.8%). There were 18 fatal crashes, which resulted in a total of 19 fatalities, indicating at least one crash involved multiple deaths.

Severity is per crash event (most severe injury). 18 fatal crash events resulted in 19 persons killed.

The majority of crashes in Clermont County occurred in ideal driving conditions. Approximately 69.2% of crashes happened in daylight, 72.0% on dry road surfaces, and 57.1% in clear weather. Crashes in adverse weather included 656 incidents during rain and 131 during snow, while 1,118 crashes occurred on wet roads.

Analysis of persons involved in crashes shows the 26-34 age group was the most represented, with 1,721 individuals. The most common vehicle makes involved in crashes were Ford, with 1,528 vehicles, and Chevrolet, with 1,268 vehicles. These were followed by Toyota (732) and Honda (708).

The first harmful event in 79.1% of crashes (3,625 incidents) occurred on the roadway. A notable portion of crashes, approximately 18.4%, were run-off-road events, with the first harmful event occurring on the roadside (682), shoulder (116), or in the median (43).

Analysis of traffic controls associated with vehicles in crashes shows that the majority, 69.3% (5,520), occurred at locations with no traffic control devices present. Crashes at signalized intersections involved 1,878 vehicles (23.6% of the total). Locations with stop signs accounted for an additional 454 vehicles involved in crashes.

The most common contributing factor cited for drivers was 'Following too Close / ACDA,' which was attributed to 1,336 vehicles. 'Failure to Yield' was the second-most frequent factor, noted for 657 vehicles, followed by 'Drove off Road' (583 vehicles) and 'Unsafe Speed' (316 vehicles).

A total of 234 commercial trucks were involved in crashes in 2021. Of these, 137 were classified as 'Other Commercial Vehicle' and 97 were 'Semi-Tractor Trailer.' These heavy vehicles represent a notable category due to their size and potential crash severity.

In 2021, 90 crashes involved motorcyclists or vulnerable road users. Motorcyclists were involved in 62 of these incidents. A total of 28 crashes involved vulnerable road users, comprising 20 pedestrian-involved crashes and 8 bicycle-involved crashes.

Animal-related collisions accounted for 349 crashes, representing 7.6% of all incidents in 2021. The vast majority of these, 329 crashes, involved collisions with deer. An additional 20 crashes were attributed to collisions with other types of animals.

Impairment was a factor in 246 crashes, accounting for 5.4% of all incidents. Of these, alcohol was the sole factor in 154 crashes, drugs were the sole factor in 68 crashes, and a combination of alcohol and drugs was noted in 24 crashes. These figures represent a baseline, as impairment can be under-reported.

Among the 7,799 drivers with condition data, 314 were noted as having a condition other than 'Apparently Normal.' The most frequent condition was 'Under the Influence of Medications / Drugs / Alcohol,' recorded for 225 drivers. An additional 47 drivers were reported as having fallen asleep, fainted, or being fatigued.

Driver distraction was identified as a factor for 319 drivers. The most common forms of distraction included 'Other distraction inside the vehicle' (150 drivers) and 'Other distraction outside the vehicle' (64 drivers). Electronic device use was a factor for at least 94 drivers, including 46 who were manually operating a device like texting or dialing.

While most crashes (3,189) occurred on straight, level road segments, a significant number were on roads with more complex geometry. Crashes on curves accounted for 15.8% of the total (724 incidents). Additionally, 22.7% of all crashes (1,041 incidents) occurred on a grade, either straight or curved.

The geographic distribution of crashes was concentrated in a few key areas of the county. Union township had the highest number of incidents with 1,502, representing 32.8% of the county's total. Miami township followed with 920 crashes (20.1%), and Batavia township recorded 599 crashes (13.1%).

Analysis of vehicle actions prior to a collision shows that just over half of all vehicles involved (4,042, or 50.7%) were moving straight ahead. A substantial number of vehicles, 1,624 (20.4%), were slowing or stopped in traffic at the time of the crash. Making a left turn was the third most common pre-crash action, recorded for 712 vehicles.

The most frequent type of crash was a single-vehicle incident, categorized as 'Not Collision Between Two Vehicles in Transport,' which accounted for 1,604 crashes or 35.0% of the total. The second most common incident type was a rear-end collision, with 1,364 crashes, making up 29.8% of all crashes.

Passenger cars were the most common vehicle type involved in crashes, accounting for 4,023 of the 7,971 vehicles (50.5%). Sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks were also frequently involved, representing 23.3% and 14.3% of vehicles, respectively. Commercial vehicles, including trucks and buses, were involved in 3.2% of incidents.

Of the 10,677 individuals involved in traffic crashes, the majority were drivers, accounting for 7,799 people (73.0%). Vehicle occupants (passengers) represented the next largest group with 2,857 individuals (26.8%). Pedestrians were involved in a smaller number of incidents, comprising 21 of the total persons recorded.

A total of 10,677 people were involved in crashes, with 85.6% (9,135 individuals) reporting no injuries. In total, 1,485 individuals sustained injuries, representing 13.9% of all persons involved. Nineteen fatalities were recorded, accounting for approximately 0.2% of all individuals.

Among the 10,677 vehicle occupants and non-motorists recorded, 8,915 (83.5%) were reported as using a shoulder and lap belt. A total of 514 individuals, or 4.8% of all persons involved, were documented as using no safety equipment at the time of the crash. Child restraint systems were in use by 482 occupants.

The majority of crashes, 62.1% (2,847 incidents), involved two vehicles. Single-vehicle crashes were also common, accounting for 32.5% of the total (1,489 incidents). Multi-vehicle collisions involving three or more vehicles made up 5.4% of crashes, including one incident that involved nine vehicles.