Cleveland Car Accident Statistics

Do you fear getting into a car accident? You’re not alone. Everyone is concerned about a car accident when they are driving. Car accidents occur daily, with several accidents causing serious injuries or even death. It can be highly traumatic for everyone involved. The following post will review the latest Cleveland car accident statistics to help you prepare and stay safe in case of an accident.

Moreover, if you find yourself in an accident, our experienced Cleveland car accident attorney will guide you through the issues you face. Ryan LLP is a premier law firm in Cleveland, OH providing legal services to anyone who needs help after getting into a car accident. Contact us to learn more about our firm’s services and expertise.

The Current Crash Statistics in Cleveland, OH

The Ohio Department of Transportation reports that more than half of the county’s incidents resulting in injuries occur in Cleveland. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, 1,244 fatal crashes occurred in 2021. Five counties accounted for more than a third of all deadly crashes in the state:

• 121 fatal crashes in Cuyahoga County
• 118 fatal crashes in Franklin County
• 65 fatal wrecks in Hamilton County
• 61 fatal collisions in Montgomery County
• 53 fatal crashes in Lucas County

Ohio Counties With Most Traffic Deaths

Unsurprisingly, some of the most populous counties also seem to be the most deadly. Franklin and Cuyahoga counties both have a population of over a million people. The population in Hamilton and Montgomery is roughly equal. The least inhabited place on this list is Lucas.

• Cuyahoga County: Cuyahoga County, Ohio, had 1.24 million residents and 121 fatalities in accidents in 2021. There were 5,055 injuries reported.
• Franklin County: With 1.3 million citizens, Franklin County, Ohio, is the most populous county, recording 121 fatal accidents and 2,842 injury accidents in 2021.
• Montgomery County: With 823,557 inhabitants, Hamilton County has a population of 65 fatal collisions and 2,993 injury accidents.
• Montgomery County: According to the most recent estimate, Montgomery County had 531,948 residents. They also experienced 1,417 incidents involving injuries and 61 fatal crashes.
• Lucas County: Lucas County has the fewest people on this short list of counties with deadly accidents, with 424,556 residents, 53 fatal wrecks, and 1,590 injury accidents.

Year-by-Year Review of Car Accidents in Ohio

The Ohio State Highway Patrol continuously tallies the number of traffic deaths. The records are as follows:

• In 2017, there were 1,131 fatal traffic accidents.
• In 2018, there were 1,057 fatal traffic accidents.
• In 2019, 1,153 traffic fatalities.
• In 2020, 1,230 traffic deaths.
• In 2021, 1,244 car accidents resulted in fatalities.

Most Common Causes of Fatal Car Accidents

Among the distraction of cell phones, the inattention of those behind the wheel, and the recklessness of some other drivers, there is no shortage of reasons one might find themselves in a car crash. What’s more, is that some accidents happen beyond our control. Still, many can be avoided altogether by following all traffic laws and exercising good judgment while operating a motor vehicle.

Here are some common causes of car accidents that can lead to severe injuries and, worst, deaths.

Alcohol-impaired Drivers

As soon as a driver has their first drink, alcohol impairs their ability to drive. If you drive while intoxicated, you endanger your own life as well as the lives of others. Drivers with a BAC of 0.10 or higher are 7 times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident than sober drivers.

Alcohol frequently leads to increased risk-taking behaviors such as speeding, not wearing a seat belt, and carelessness. Alcohol-impaired drivers have a false impression of confidence and control but struggle to maintain a constant speed and trajectory. Their attention and concentration on the road also suffer, as does their judgment. They frequently experience altered vision and hearing, decreased reaction times, impaired physical coordination, and may feel tired.

Improper Lane Change

Changing lanes without first signaling or initiating to signal may result in an unsafe lane change. It’s also possible that you went into a lane where the car ahead of you had to stop to make room or that you braked too hard to maintain a safe following distance. Making a lane change too quickly may result in dangerous lane shifts due to the state of the road or the kind of vehicle you are driving. The idea is that irresponsible lane changes cause car accidents with disastrous outcomes.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the main reasons why people get into car accidents. Despite what most people think, the brain can’t focus on more than one thing at a time. It means that when a driver is texting, talking on the phone, grooming, reading, or even eating, the brain switches between tasks and can’t stay focused on what’s ahead.

Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones From Fatal Car Accidents

As a driver, you must practice defensive driving skills to limit the risk of injury to yourself and others in your car. The following are steps that you may take to help:

• Pay close attention. Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel when driving. Even a few seconds of looking away, such as while altering GPS settings or reaching for goods on the seat behind you, raises the chance of a car collision.
• Reduce your speed. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that speeding is one of the most deadly driving habits. It increases your chances of being in a car accident and the power of contact in a crash, making severe and perhaps life-threatening injuries more likely.
• Allow plenty of room for other drivers. Tailgating, or following too closely behind other cars, is a prevalent aggressive driving conduct. Allow other vehicles plenty of distance to limit potential collisions and avoid crashes. It includes not driving straight beside them and frequently placing you in their blind spot.

If a vehicle accident occurs, taking the required steps can prevent you from paying for medical bills, missed earnings, and property damage out of pocket. Notify the police immediately, gather information on other drivers and witnesses at the scene, and contact our Cleveland car accident lawyer before making any statements to insurance companies.

Schedule Your Free Consultation With Our Car Accident Lawyer Today

Ryan LLP has the experience and resources to help you with your case. Call us at (216) 363-6040 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.