|
|
|
Highway Safety
One of the greatest
challenges facing Ohio is reducing the number of fatalities and
injuries and the costs associated with traffic crashes statewide.
In 2006,
there were 334,206 crashes in Ohio – 1,239 people were killed and
122,979 people were injured. In addition to the emotional impact,
the economic cost to Ohio is about $10 billion per year in lost
wages, increased health care and other related costs.
The vast majority of these
crashes are caused by driver error. To reduce crashes and
injuries, and save lives, the Ohio Department of Transportation is
working with the Department of Public Safety, the public and local, state and federal agencies to:
If you have a specific
question regarding a safety location, please contact your local
district. For general questions about ODOT's Safety Program,
please contact Michelle May at (614) 644-8309 or
michelle.may@dot.state.oh.us.
|
FAST
FACTS!
|
Many of the deaths and injuries could have been avoided through
safer driver behavior. Almost 500 lives could be saved each year if
all motorists used a seatbelt, drove sober and traveled at
appropriate speeds.
2006
Fatalities:
|
Crash Type |
Total
Fatalities |
Percentage
of All Fatalities |
|
Fixed Object
(trees, poles, etc.) |
496 |
40% |
|
Alcohol |
494 |
40% |
|
No
Safety Belt |
457 |
49% |
|
Speed |
388 |
31% |
|
Intersection |
327 |
26% |
Accomplishments
Ohio has, however, made significant improvements in highway safety
over the past several years. In 2005,
Ohio had the 14th
lowest fatality rate in the nation
(the most recent year available from the federal government).
In 2006, Ohio
experienced a 7 percent reduction in crashes and fatalities.
These improvements saved 89
lives and decreased statewide crashes by more than 24,000.
Historical Crash
Fatalities 
Click here for a chart that compares various
crash types by yearr.
Compare Ohio's Crashes with the National
Average
For more information on Ohio's efforts to reduce fatalities and
crashes, click on the following links which
identify the greatest threats to highway safety, crash statistics and
strategies for preventing serious injuries and deaths.
Ohio Strategic Safety Plan
News Release (November 2006)
News
Release (November 2006)
|
|
|
|
