1,477 CRASHES IN
ELYRIA, OH
2021

Motorists were the most impacted group in crashes, with 8 fatalities and 506 injuries reported. Additionally, 12 pedestrians sustained injuries, though no pedestrian fatalities were recorded. There were no reported fatalities or injuries among cyclists in Elyria during this period.

Crash frequency in Elyria peaked on Fridays, with 264 incidents reported, and the peak hour for crashes was 4 p.m., recording 134 incidents. The majority of crashes occurred during daylight hours, with 994 incidents, compared to 401 incidents occurring in dark conditions (lighted or unlighted roadways).

Of the 1,477 crashes in Elyria, 74.7% resulted in no injuries, while 24.9% involved some level of injury (serious, minor, or possible). There were 6 crashes classified as fatal, and these crashes collectively resulted in 8 fatalities. It is important to note that the number of fatal crashes may differ from the number of fatalities, as a single crash can involve multiple deaths.

Severity is per crash event (most severe injury). 6 fatal crash events resulted in 8 persons killed.

The majority of crashes in Elyria occurred under favorable conditions, with 60.3% happening in clear weather, 77.5% on dry road surfaces, and 67.3% during daylight. Adverse conditions also contributed to a notable number of incidents, including 145 crashes in rain, 64 in snow, 241 on wet roads, and 393 in dark conditions.

Among the 2,748 vehicles involved in crashes, individuals aged 26-34 were the most represented age group with 563 persons. The most frequently involved vehicle makes were Ford, with 549 vehicles, and Chevrolet, with 418 vehicles. Passenger cars constituted the largest vehicle type involved, accounting for 1,352 incidents.

The majority of crashes, 1,287, occurred on the roadway itself. However, 135 crashes, representing 9.1% of all incidents, took place off the main travel lanes, specifically on the roadside, shoulder, or in the median. This indicates a notable proportion of run-off-road incidents.

The most frequent contributing factor among vehicles involved in crashes was 'Following too Close / ACDA,' accounting for 492 instances, or 17.9% of all vehicles. 'Other Improper Action' was noted in 152 instances (5.5% of vehicles), followed closely by 'Failure to Yield' with 148 instances (5.4% of vehicles).

A total of 86 commercial vehicles were involved in crashes, representing 3.13% of all vehicles. This included 57 semi-tractor trailers and 29 other commercial vehicles.

A total of 18 crashes involved vulnerable road users, specifically pedestrians and bicyclists. This accounts for 1.22% of all crashes in Elyria. There were 12 pedestrian crashes and 6 bicycle crashes.

Animal-related crashes accounted for 40 incidents, representing 2.71% of all crashes. Of these, 38 involved deer, with 2 involving other types of animals.

Impairment was a factor in 115 crashes, making up 7.79% of all incidents. Alcohol was cited in 77 instances, drugs in 26, and both alcohol and drugs in 12 crashes.

Abnormal driver conditions were reported for 121 drivers, accounting for 4.66% of all drivers involved in crashes. This included 85 instances of drivers being under the influence of medications, drugs, or alcohol, and 12 instances of drivers falling asleep, fainting, or being fatigued.

Driver distraction was identified in 60 instances, representing 2.31% of all drivers involved in crashes. The most common specific distractions included other distractions inside the vehicle (29 instances) and other distractions outside the vehicle (12 instances).

A total of 126 crashes, or 8.53% of all incidents, occurred on curves in the roadway. Additionally, 127 crashes, or 8.60%, took place on road sections with a grade. These alignments can elevate crash risk.

The most common pre-crash action for vehicles was proceeding 'Straight Ahead,' accounting for 1,380 instances, or 50.2% of vehicles. 'Slowing or Stopped In Traffic' was the second most frequent action, with 601 instances (21.9%), followed by 'Making Left Turn' in 187 instances (6.8%).

Rear-end collisions were the most prevalent manner of collision, making up 34% of all crashes with 502 incidents. Crashes not involving two vehicles in transport, such as single-vehicle incidents, accounted for 30% of the total. Angle collisions represented 19.7% of crashes.

Passenger cars were the dominant vehicle type involved in crashes, accounting for 1,352 instances. Commercial and heavy vehicles, including semi-tractors, cargo vans, and single unit trucks, collectively represented 161 vehicles, or 5.86% of all vehicles involved.

Drivers constituted the largest group of persons involved in crashes, accounting for 2,598 individuals, or 73.2% of all persons. Occupants made up 26.5% with 939 individuals, while pedestrians represented 0.3% with 12 individuals.

Among all persons involved in crashes, 0.23% sustained fatal injuries, totaling 8 individuals. A combined 14.6% of persons, or 518 individuals, sustained some level of injury (serious, minor, or possible). The majority of individuals, 2,862, sustained no injuries.

Among the 3,537 participants for whom safety equipment use was recorded, 206 individuals, or 5.82%, were noted as using no safety equipment. The most common form of safety equipment used was a shoulder and lap belt, recorded for 2,873 participants.

The majority of crashes involved two vehicles, totaling 1,118 incidents. Single-vehicle crashes accounted for 289 incidents, representing 19.57% of all crashes. There were also 70 multi-vehicle crashes involving three or more vehicles.