1,714 CRASHES IN
FAIRFIELD, OH
2021

In 2021, 7 motorists were killed in Fairfield crashes, while 741 motorists sustained injuries. Pedestrians accounted for 7 injuries, with no pedestrian fatalities reported. No cyclists were killed or injured during this period.

Crash frequency in Fairfield peaked on Wednesdays with 279 incidents and during the hour of 3 PM, which saw 160 crashes. Overall, the highest number of crashes occurred in November with 172 incidents, followed closely by October with 171 crashes. Most crashes occurred during daylight hours, accounting for 1141 incidents.

In 2021, 6 crashes were fatal, accounting for 0.4% of all incidents, while 505 crashes (29.5%) resulted in some level of injury. The majority of crashes, 1203 incidents (70.2%), were reported as having no injury. A total of 7 individuals lost their lives in these crashes, demonstrating that a single fatal crash can involve multiple fatalities.

Severity is per crash event (most severe injury). 6 fatal crash events resulted in 7 persons killed.

The majority of crashes in Fairfield occurred under clear weather conditions (1060 incidents, 61.8%), on dry road surfaces (1309 incidents, 76.4%), and during daylight (1141 incidents, 66.6%). However, adverse conditions were also a factor, with 203 crashes (11.9%) occurring in rain and 335 crashes (19.5%) on wet roads. Additionally, 442 crashes (25.8%) occurred during dark conditions.

Among all persons involved in crashes, the 26-34 age group was most represented with 656 individuals, followed by the 35-44 age group with 596 individuals. Passenger cars were the most frequently involved vehicle type, accounting for 1641 vehicles. Chevrolet (511) and Ford (480) were the top two vehicle makes involved in crashes.

The vast majority of crashes, 1491 incidents, occurred on the roadway. However, 181 crashes, or 10.6% of the total, occurred off the travel lanes, specifically on the roadside (132), on the shoulder (41), or in the median (8). This indicates a notable proportion of run-off-road incidents.

Among vehicles involved in crashes, 1806 (56.2%) were at locations with no traffic control present, making it the dominant condition. Signalized locations accounted for 1203 vehicles (37.4%) involved in crashes. This suggests a higher proportion of crashes occur at uncontrolled intersections or road segments.

The leading contributing factor was 'Following too Close / ACDA' with 582 occurrences, representing 34.5% of specified factors. 'Failure to Yield' was the second most common factor with 279 occurrences (16.5%). 'Drove off Road' contributed to 149 incidents (8.8%), followed by 'Ran Red Light' with 98 occurrences (5.8%) and 'Improper Lane Change' with 91 occurrences (5.4%).

Crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists combined totaled 9 incidents, representing 0.52% of all crashes. Additionally, 15 crashes involved motorcyclists. In total, 24 crashes involved vulnerable road users including pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists.

Animal-strike crashes accounted for 76 incidents, making up 4.4% of all crashes. Deer were involved in the majority of these incidents, with 69 reported deer strikes. Seven crashes involved other types of animals.

A total of 90 crashes were identified as involving impaired driving, representing 5.25% of all crashes. Alcohol was a factor in 71 incidents, while drugs were involved in 12 incidents. Both alcohol and drugs were present in 7 crashes.

Abnormal driver conditions were reported for 138 drivers, representing 4.59% of all drivers with a specified condition. The most frequent abnormal condition was 'Under the Influence of Medications / Drugs / Alcohol' with 82 instances. 'Fell Asleep; Fainted; Fatigued; etc.' was noted for 26 drivers.

Driver distraction was identified in 101 incidents, accounting for 3.43% of all drivers with a specified distraction status. The most common specific distractions were 'Other distraction inside the vehicle' (43 incidents) and 'Other distraction outside the vehicle' (25 incidents). Manually operating an electronic communication device was noted in 10 incidents.

Approximately 6.65% of crashes (114 incidents) occurred on curves, while 16.88% of crashes (289 incidents) occurred on grades. The majority of crashes, 1349 incidents, took place on straight, level road alignments. These figures highlight the elevated risk associated with curved and graded road sections.

The most frequent pre-crash action reported was 'Straight Ahead' with 1558 occurrences, accounting for 48.8% of specified actions. 'Slowing or Stopped In Traffic' was the second most common action, involved in 686 incidents (21.5%). 'Making Left Turn' was noted in 351 incidents (11.0%).

The most common manner of collision was 'Rear-end' crashes, accounting for 567 incidents or 33.1% of all collisions. 'Angle' collisions were the second most frequent, with 467 incidents (27.2%). Additionally, 434 incidents (25.3%) were classified as 'Not Collision Between Two Vehicles in Transport', indicating single-vehicle crashes or collisions with objects/pedestrians.

Passenger cars were the dominant vehicle type involved in crashes, accounting for 1641 vehicles or 53.0% of all specified vehicles. Sport utility vehicles (783) and pickup trucks (369) were also frequently involved. Commercial vehicles, including single unit trucks, semi-tractors, cargo vans, and buses, collectively represented 134 vehicles, or 4.33% of all specified vehicles.

Drivers constituted the largest group of persons involved in crashes, totaling 3049 individuals or 71.8% of all persons. Occupants (passengers) represented 1189 individuals (28.0%), while pedestrians accounted for 7 individuals (0.16%).

Out of 4165 persons with known injury severity, 7 individuals (0.17%) sustained fatal injuries. A total of 748 individuals (17.96%) sustained injuries of serious, minor, or possible severity. The majority, 3410 individuals, were reported with no injuries.

The use of 'Shoulder and Lap Belt' was reported for 3536 participants. However, 'None Used' was indicated for 202 participants, representing 5.1% of those with specified safety equipment use. Child restraint systems were used by 198 participants across various types.

The majority of crashes involved two vehicles, totaling 1254 incidents. Single-vehicle crashes accounted for 347 incidents, representing 20.25% of all crashes. One notable multi-vehicle incident involved 11 vehicles.