2,387 CRASHES IN
HAMILTON, OH
2021

Motorists represented the largest group of those injured, with 832 individuals, and also accounted for 5 fatalities. Pedestrians experienced 4 fatalities and 23 injuries. Cyclists had no reported fatalities or injuries during this period.

Crashes in Hamilton peaked on Thursdays with 372 incidents, and the peak hour for crashes was 4 PM, recording 198 events. A majority of crashes occurred during daylight hours, accounting for 1,563 incidents, while 644 crashes occurred in dark conditions (lighted or unlighted roadways).

Of the 2,387 crashes, 73.9% (1,763 crashes) resulted in no reported injuries, indicating property-damage-only incidents. Injury-causing crashes, encompassing serious, minor, and possible injuries, accounted for 25.8% of all crashes. There were 8 fatal crashes, which led to 9 total fatalities, highlighting that a single crash can result in multiple deaths.

Severity is per crash event (most severe injury). 8 fatal crash events resulted in 9 persons killed.

The majority of crashes occurred under favorable environmental conditions, with 57.8% happening in clear weather, 74.3% on dry road surfaces, and 65.5% during daylight. Adverse conditions were present in a smaller proportion of crashes, with approximately 14.1% occurring in rain or snow, 24.1% on wet or icy roads, and 27% in dark conditions.

The age group 26-34 was most frequently involved in crashes, accounting for 812 persons, followed by the 35-44 age group with 726 persons. Among the 4,615 vehicles involved, Chevrolet (722), Ford (645), and Toyota (402) were the most frequently reported vehicle makes.

The vast majority of crashes, 2,093 incidents, occurred directly on the roadway. Crashes occurring off the main travel lanes, including on the roadside, shoulder, or in the median, collectively accounted for 177 incidents, representing 7.4% of all reported crash locations.

The most frequent traffic control condition at crash locations was 'No Control,' accounting for 61.1% of all reported traffic control instances. Signalized intersections were associated with 29.5% of incidents, while uncontrolled locations (no control, stop sign, or yield sign) collectively represented 69.7% of all traffic control instances.

Among the reported contributing factors, 'Other Improper Action' was the most common with 602 occurrences, followed by 'Following too Close / ACDA' with 546 occurrences. 'Failure to Yield' was also a significant factor, contributing to 366 incidents.

A total of 164 commercial truck involvements were recorded, representing 6.9% of all crashes. These involvements were split between 'Other Commercial Vehicle' (84) and 'Semi-Tractor Trailer' (80).

Crashes involving vulnerable road users or motorcycles totaled 72 involvements, representing 3.0% of all crashes. Pedestrians and bicyclists combined accounted for 41 involvements, with 30 pedestrians and 11 bicyclists.

There were 67 animal-strike involvements, constituting 2.8% of all crashes. The overwhelming majority of these incidents, 66, involved deer, with only 1 involving another animal type.

Impaired driving was a factor in 113 crashes, accounting for 4.7% of all incidents. Alcohol impairment was cited in 84 crashes, drug impairment in 20 crashes, and a combination of alcohol and drugs in 9 crashes.

Abnormal driver conditions were reported in 128 instances, representing 3.4% of all drivers involved in crashes. The most common abnormal condition was 'Under the Influence of Medications / Drugs / Alcohol' with 86 instances, followed by drivers who 'Fell Asleep; Fainted; Fatigued; etc.' in 17 instances.

Driver distraction was identified in 94 instances, representing 2.5% of all drivers. The most frequent distractions included 'Other distraction inside the vehicle' (40) and 'Other distraction outside the vehicle' (18). Electronic device use, both manual and hands-free, accounted for 28 instances of distraction.

Road alignment data shows that 6.5% of crash locations were on curves, while 16.5% occurred on a grade (either straight or curved). The majority of crashes, 1,927, happened on straight, level roadways.

Prior to crashes, 'Straight Ahead' was the most common driver action, accounting for 2,218 instances or 49.6% of reported actions. 'Slowing or Stopped In Traffic' was the second most frequent action with 688 instances, followed by 'Parked' vehicles involved in 556 incidents.

The most frequent manner of collision was 'Not Collision Between Two Vehicles in Transport,' accounting for 28.9% of crashes with 689 incidents. Angle collisions were the second most common, making up 26.4% (631 crashes), followed closely by rear-end collisions at 23.3% (555 crashes).

Passenger cars were the most common vehicle type involved, accounting for 2,148 vehicles or 50.8% of all non-unknown vehicle involvements. Commercial vehicles, including semi-tractors, cargo vans, single unit trucks, and buses, collectively comprised 222 involvements, representing 5.2% of all vehicles.

Drivers constituted the largest group of individuals involved in crashes, totaling 3,817 persons or 68.8% of all persons. Occupants accounted for 1,702 persons (30.7%), while pedestrians represented 32 persons (0.6%).

Among all persons involved in crashes, 9 individuals sustained fatal injuries, representing 0.16% of the total. A total of 855 persons sustained injuries (serious, minor, or possible), accounting for 15.4% of all persons involved.

Safety equipment usage data indicates that 'Shoulder and Lap Belt Used' was reported for 4,340 participants. However, 258 participants were reported as using 'None Used', representing 5.3% of those for whom safety equipment use was specified.

The majority of crashes involved two vehicles, totaling 1,785 incidents. Single-vehicle crashes accounted for 399 incidents, representing 16.7% of all crashes. There were also 30 multi-vehicle crashes involving four or more vehicles.