Fatal Crashes Only
This report covers fatal crashes only, from the NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System — the federal census of every crash on a US public road that killed someone within 30 days. It does not include injury or property-damage-only crashes, and its totals are not comparable with the all-severity crash reports published elsewhere on this site.
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YEAR-OVER-YEAR CRASH REPORT · OHIO · SEPTEMBER 2023
Purpose: Machine-readable JSON endpoint for AI agents, LLMs, researchers, and programmatic consumers. Returns all underlying crash data and AI-generated commentary without HTML.
Authentication: None required. Public endpoint.
GET: https://thatcarhitme.com/api/crash-data/reports/data/ohio/fatal/statewide/september-2023-report
Monthly Traffic Safety Analysis
121 CRASHES IN
OHIO
SEPTEMBER 2023
In September 2023, Ohio experienced 121 fatal crashes, an increase of 17.48% compared to the 103 fatal crashes in September 2022. This resulted in 124 fatalities, up from 110 fatalities in the prior year, marking a 12.73% increase. The most notable year-over-year shift was a significant rise in fatal crashes involving driving under the influence (DUI), which increased by 71.43%.
121
▲ 17.5%was 103
Total Crash Events
124
▲ 12.7%was 110
Persons Killed
82
▼ -18.0%was 100
Persons Injured
7
Hit-and-Run Crashes
Note: "Persons Killed" (124) counts individual fatalities across all crash events. "Fatal" in the severity table below (121) counts crash events where at least one fatality occurred. A single crash can result in multiple fatalities.
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2023-09-01 to 2023-09-30 · Aggregate counts from crash, person, and vehicle records
Trend Summary
Fatal crashes in Ohio show an upward trend year-over-year, increasing from 103 fatal crashes in September 2022 to 121 fatal crashes in September 2023. This represents a 17.48% rise in fatal crash events. Correspondingly, total fatalities also increased from 110 to 124, indicating a 12.73% increase in lives lost.
7
Hit-and-Run Crashes — September 2023
▼ 0.0% vs prior (7)
The number of hit-and-run fatal crashes remained constant at 7 in both September 2022 and September 2023. However, the hit-and-run rate, calculated as a percentage of total fatal crashes, decreased from 6.8% in the prior period to 5.8% in the current period.
Vulnerable Road User Casualties
11
Pedestrians Killed
1
Cyclists Killed
111
Motorists Killed
1
Other Killed
1
Pedestrians Injured
0
Cyclists Injured
81
Motorists Injured
0
Other Injured
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2023-09-01 to 2023-09-30 · Mode classified from person records (driver/passenger → motorist; pedestrian; bicyclist → cyclist; in-line skater / unspecified → other)
When Crashes Happen
The peak day for fatal crashes remained Saturday for both periods, with 24 fatal crashes in September 2023 and 24 in September 2022. However, the peak hour shifted, with September 2023 seeing the most fatal crashes at 7 p.m. (12 fatal crashes), while September 2022's peak was at 10 p.m. (10 fatal crashes). Sunday and Monday also saw a notable increase in fatal crashes in the current period, each recording 20 fatal crashes compared to 14 and 7 respectively in the prior period.
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2023-09-01 to 2023-09-30 · Crash date field aggregated by weekday
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2023-09-01 to 2023-09-30 · Crash time field aggregated by hour (0-23)
Road & Environmental Conditions
Fatal crashes occurring in clear weather conditions increased from 74 in September 2022 to 94 in September 2023, while cloudy conditions saw a decrease from 21 to 17 fatal crashes. Crashes during dark but lighted conditions notably increased from 16 to 27, and daylight fatal crashes also rose from 54 to 62. Fatal crashes during dark and unlighted conditions decreased from 30 to 25.
Weather
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2023-09-01 to 2023-09-30 · Weather condition at time of crash
Lighting
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2023-09-01 to 2023-09-30 · Lighting condition field
Vehicles & Demographics
The total number of vehicles involved in fatal crashes increased from 177 in September 2022 to 196 in September 2023. Ford remained the top make involved in fatal crashes, increasing from 27 to 32 vehicles, while Chevrolet involvement slightly decreased from 23 to 22. Harley-Davidson motorcycles saw an increase from 16 to 18 vehicles involved in fatal crashes.
Top Vehicle Makes (196 vehicles)
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2023-09-01 to 2023-09-30 · Vehicle unit records
6 persons with unknown or unrecorded age excluded from age chart.
Sex Distribution (281 persons with recorded sex)
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2023-09-01 to 2023-09-30 · Person-level records linked to crash events
Speed Limit Zones
The highest number of fatal crashes in both periods occurred in 55 mph speed zones, increasing slightly from 40 in September 2022 to 41 in September 2023. Fatal crashes in 35 mph zones saw a notable increase from 15 to 23, and those in 25 mph zones rose from 6 to 10. Conversely, fatal crashes in 45 mph zones decreased from 14 to 11, and 70 mph zones decreased from 7 to 4.
Fatal crashes by zone: 25 mph: 10 of 10 (100%) · 35 mph: 23 of 23 (100%) · 40 mph: 5 of 5 (100%) · 45 mph: 11 of 11 (100%) · 50 mph: 5 of 5 (100%) · 55 mph: 41 of 41 (100%) · 60 mph: 8 of 8 (100%) · 65 mph: 8 of 8 (100%) · 70 mph: 4 of 4 (100%)
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2023-09-01 to 2023-09-30 · Posted speed limit at crash location
Manner of Collision
The dominant manner of collision for fatal crashes in both periods was 'The First Harmful Event was Not a Collision with a Motor Vehicle in Transport,' increasing from 55 in September 2022 to 66 in September 2023. Angle collisions also increased from 26 to 28 fatal crashes. Front-to-rear collisions rose from 8 to 11, while front-to-front collisions decreased from 9 to 7.
Manner of Collision
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2023-09-01 to 2023-09-30 · Crash-level records
Vehicle Type
In September 2023, two-wheel motorcycles were the most frequent vehicle body type involved in fatal crashes, with 35 instances, a significant increase from 22 in September 2022. While 4-door sedans decreased from 44 to 34, compact utility vehicles increased from 27 to 33. Truck-tractors, a large truck category, saw a decrease from 17 to 7 instances.
Vehicle Type
Showing top 9 of 23 reported. 14 additional (33 total) not shown: 3-door/2-door hatchback, Single-unit straight truck or Cab-Chassis (GVWR greater than 26,000 lbs.), Single-unit straight truck or Cab-Chassis (GVWR range 10,001 to 19,500 lbs.), Convertible(excludes sun-roof,t-bar), Medium/heavy Pickup (GVWR greater than 10,000 lbs.), Unknown body type, Large utility (ANSI D16.1 Utility Vehicle Categories and "Full Size" and "Large"), Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle, ATV/ATC [All-Terrain Cycle], Large Van-Includes van-based buses (B150-B350, Sportsman, Royal Maxiwagon, Ram, Tradesman,...), Transit Bus (City Bus), Single-unit straight truck or Cab-Chassis (GVWR range 19,501 to 26,000 lbs.), Other motored cycle type (mini-bikes, pocket motorcycles "pocket bikes"), Three-wheel Motorcycle (2 Rear Wheels).
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2023-09-01 to 2023-09-30 · Vehicle unit records
Rural vs Urban
Fatal crashes in urban areas increased from 59 in September 2022 to 67 in September 2023, while rural fatal crashes also rose from 44 to 53. In September 2023, rural areas accounted for 44.17% of all fatal crashes, slightly higher than the 42.72% in September 2022, indicating that rural roads continue to bear a disproportionate share of fatalities.
Rural vs Urban
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2023-09-01 to 2023-09-30 · Crash-level records
Roadway Functional Class
In September 2023, 'Other Principal Arterial,' 'Major Collector,' and 'Minor Arterial' roadways each accounted for 27 fatal crashes, with Principal Arterial crashes showing a notable increase from 19 in September 2022. Fatal crashes on Interstate roadways slightly increased from 17 to 18, while those on Local roads decreased from 14 to 12. Major Collector crashes remained largely stable, increasing from 26 to 27.
Roadway Functional Class
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2023-09-01 to 2023-09-30 · Crash-level records
Roadway Ownership
State Highway Agencies were associated with the most fatal crashes in both periods, increasing from 61 in September 2022 to 80 in September 2023. County Highway Agencies saw a slight decrease from 26 to 23 fatal crashes. Fatal crashes on roadways owned by City or Municipal Highway Agencies increased marginally from 8 to 9.
Roadway Ownership
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2023-09-01 to 2023-09-30 · Crash-level records
Person Type
Drivers continued to be the most frequent person type involved in fatal crashes, increasing from 176 in September 2022 to 195 in September 2023. Conversely, the number of passengers involved in fatal crashes decreased from 88 to 74. Pedestrian involvement also saw a decrease from 17 to 12, while bicyclist involvement remained constant at 1.
Person Type
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2023-09-01 to 2023-09-30 · Crash-level records
Person Injury Severity
The number of fatal injuries increased from 110 in September 2022 to 124 in September 2023. Overall, total injuries (Serious, Minor, Possible) decreased from 98 in the prior period to 82 in the current period. Specifically, possible injuries saw a significant decrease from 25 to 11, while serious and minor injuries remained relatively stable.
Person Injury Severity
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2023-09-01 to 2023-09-30 · Crash-level records
Occupant Safety Equipment
The use of 'Shoulder and Lap Belt Used' in fatal crashes decreased from 156 in September 2022 to 128 in September 2023. Concurrently, the number of individuals for whom 'None Used/Not Applicable' was reported significantly increased from 83 to 106. This indicates a concerning trend of decreased safety equipment usage among those involved in fatal crashes.
Occupant Safety Equipment
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2023-09-01 to 2023-09-30 · Person-level records linked to crash events
Point of Impact
The '12 Clock Point' (frontal impact) remained the most common point of impact in fatal crashes, increasing from 84 in September 2022 to 105 in September 2023. Impacts at the '11 Clock Point' (front-left) decreased from 20 to 16, while '6 Clock Point' (rear impact) remained stable, increasing slightly from 14 to 15. This suggests a continued prevalence of frontal collisions.
Point of Impact
"Other" combines 8 smaller categories (24 records): Non-Collision (6), 2 Clock Point (4), Undercarriage (3), 5 Clock Point (3), Reported as Unknown (3), 4 Clock Point (2), 7 Clock Point (2), Other Objects or Person Set-In-Motion (1).
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2023-09-01 to 2023-09-30 · Vehicle unit records
Vehicles Per Crash
Single-vehicle fatal crashes increased from 47 in September 2022 to 57 in September 2023, representing a notable rise. Two-vehicle fatal crashes also increased from 43 to 55 during the same period. However, fatal crashes involving three vehicles decreased from 10 to 7.
Vehicles Per Crash
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2023-09-01 to 2023-09-30 · Crash-level records
Data Sources & Methodology
Primary Data Source
All crash data in this report is sourced from NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes), accessed programmatically via the NHTSA FARS 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: NHTSA FARS 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: 2023-09-01 through 2023-09-30
- Report generated: August 5, 2026
Data Coverage
- Reporting period: 2023-09-01 through 2023-09-30 (30 days)
- Geographic scope: Ohio
- Total crash records analyzed: 121
- Total persons involved: 283
- Total vehicles involved: 196
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). "Ohio Crash Intelligence Report: September 2023." Published August 5, 2026. Reporting period: 2023-09-01 to 2023-09-30. Data source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes), NHTSA FARS Open Data. Available at: https://thatcarhitme.com/crash-data/ohio/fatal/statewide/september-2023-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
ThatCarHitMe.com · An Injuria.ai Company
ThatCarHitMe.com
An Injuria.ai Company
Crash Data Intelligence
Data: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · NHTSA FARS
Period: 2023-09-01 – 2023-09-30
Generated: August 5, 2026 · All rights reserved
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