The Ohio Department of Transportation, along with the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Ohio Traffic Safety Office, is urging drivers to prioritize safe driving during the holiday season. This initiative aims to achieve a fourth consecutive year of declining traffic fatalities in the state. After a peak of 1,356 traffic deaths in 2021, there has been a steady decrease over the past three years. In 2024, fatalities dropped to 1,157 from 1,242 in 2023 and 1,275 in 2022.
Current data shows that as of November 13, there have been 976 traffic-related deaths this year compared to 1,029 at the same time last year. This trend has prompted state agencies to initiate an enforcement and education campaign focusing on reducing behaviors that lead to fatal crashes such as distraction, impairment, lack of seat belt use, and speeding.
Governor Mike DeWine emphasized the importance of continued vigilance: “We’ve made tremendous progress in saving lives on Ohio roadways, but we can’t afford to let up now.” He noted that roadway safety has been a priority during his administration. The Highway Safety Improvement Program has received increased funding and is now one of the largest programs in the nation.
ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn said that while engineering improvements are crucial, driver responsibility is essential for making safe decisions on the road. The Ohio State Highway Patrol highlights speed, impairment, and failure to wear seat belts as major factors in fatal crashes. Law enforcement will increase visibility and enforcement efforts through year’s end.
Colonel Charles A. Jones from the Ohio State Highway Patrol urged drivers: “Our message is simple: We want everyone to make it home for the holidays and enjoy time together.” Statistics from 2024 show that drugs were involved in 43% of traffic deaths; alcohol impairment was a factor in 32%; excessive speed contributed to 30%; and not wearing seat belts accounted for 34%.
Emily Davidson from OTSO remarked on reaching nearly four years of declining fatalities: “Ohio is close to achieving a fourth straight year of declining traffic fatalities – a milestone made possible by the everyday choices Ohioans make behind the wheel.”
With holiday travel approaching, these organizations encourage drivers to contribute towards ending 2025 with fewer tragedies on Ohio roads.
Information from this article can be found here.
