10 Car Accident Facts Ohio Drivers Should Know | KNR
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June 26, 2025
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Car accidents are a leading cause of injury and death in the United States, and Ohio is no exception. Every year, thousands of people are injured or killed on Ohio roads, often due to preventable causes.

Understanding when and why these accidents happen can help drivers make safer decisions and recognize when they may need to seek legal action from an experienced car accident lawyer.

Car Accidents in Ohio: Causes, Trends & Risks

Car accidents happen daily across Ohio, from busy highways in Columbus and Cleveland to local roads in Newark and Chillicothe. Which each crash is unique, patterns emerge that show when and why these incidents occur.

Whether commuting through downtown Cleveland, navigating I-71 near Columbus, or driving through a neighborhood in Marion, the risk of being involved in a crash remains high. In most cases, a collision occurs when one or more drivers fail to follow traffic laws or respond appropriately to road conditions. While outside factors like weather or vehicle malfunctions can contribute, driver behavior is the leading cause of collisions in Ohio.

Common causes of car accidents include:

The Ohio Department of Public Safety collects and reports crash data yearly to help the public understand how and why these accidents happen.

By looking at Ohio’s most recent traffic data, we can better understand where accidents happen most, what causes them, and how to stay safe, whether you’re behind the wheel in a large metro area like Cincinnati or on rural roads near Logan. Below, we break down some of the most eye-opening statistics and trends from recent years.

1. Car Accidents Are One of Ohio’s Top Killers

In 2024, 52,647 traffic crashes were reported across Ohio, resulting in 505 fatalities. That means, on average, one person was injured every 5.2 minutes in a car accident. Car accidents remain one of the top five causes of unintentional death in the state.

2. Most Accidents Are Preventable

You might think weather or road conditions are to blame for most crashes, but the data tells a different story. Out of the 52,647 traffic accidents in 2024, over 20,802 were caused by distracted driving, making human mistakes the #1 contributing factor in Ohio crashes.

3. Tailgating Causes Thousands of Crashes

Driving too closely behind another vehicle—also known as tailgating—led to 58,527 accidents in 2024. Of those, 39,671 resulted in property damage and 51 were fatal. Keeping a safe following distance is a simple but often overlooked way to prevent a crash.

4. Speeding Is a Leading Factor in Fatal Wrecks

Unsafe speed contributed to 12.9% of all fatal car accidents in Ohio, second only to failure to control a vehicle (17.4%). Speeding reduces reaction time and increases the severity of injuries when crashes occur.

5. Most Crashes Happen in Clear Weather

Contrary to popular belief, bad weather isn’t the top cause of car accidents. In fact, most accidents in 2024 happened when the skies were clear:

  • 121,981 crashes occurred during clear conditions
  • 25,807 during rain
  • 15,193 during snow
  • 1,031 during sleet or freezing rain

Weather may contribute to some accidents, but driver behavior still plays the biggest role.

6. Fridays Are the Most Dangerous Day to Drive

Weekends aren’t the only high-risk time on the roads. In 2024, Fridays saw the most accident-related injuries, with 102,089 people hurt. Thursdays (88,173 injuries) and Tuesdays (84,762) followed closely behind.

7. May Is Ohio’s Deadliest Month for Accidents

Spring may bring sunshine, but it also brings more crashes. May had the highest number of traffic-related fatalities and injuries, with 8,737 incidents reported in 2024. Interestingly, December saw the highest number of total crashes (24,802), but fewer injuries.

8. Male Drivers Are Involved in More Accidents

In 2024, male drivers were behind the wheel in the majority of car accidents in Ohio:

  • 214,798 male drivers
  • 175,402 female drivers
  • 8,905 drivers of unknown gender

These numbers mirror national trends, with men statistically more likely to engage in risky driving behaviors.

9. Alcohol Plays a Role in Nearly One-Third of Fatal Crashes

Drunk driving remains a serious problem in Ohio. In 2024:

  • 4.11% of all crashes involved an alcohol-impaired driver
  • 29.4% of all traffic fatalities involved alcohol
  • 70.6% of alcohol-impaired drivers were male

If a drunk driver has injured you, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury or wrongful death claim.

10. Severe Injuries Are Common

Not all crashes result in death, but many leave victims with life-altering injuries. In 2024, Ohio recorded:

  • 91,350 non-fatal injuries from traffic accidents
  • 8,731 severe or incapacitating injuries

If you’ve been seriously hurt in a crash, it’s critical to understand your legal rights and options.

Why Having an Ohio Car Accident Lawyer Matters

When you’ve been hurt in a crash, the last thing you need is the added stress of fighting with insurance companies or trying to figure out what your case is worth. That’s where a tenured car accident attorney comes in to handle the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on recovery.

Car accidents can be complex, involving determining who’s at fault, dealing with insurance policies, and calculating fair compensation, which requires experience and skill. In Ohio, fault plays a critical role in your claim. If another driver’s negligence caused your injuries, you can seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. However, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether.

We can help your case by: 

  • Building a strong case: We investigate the accident, gather evidence, consult experts, and document your injuries to prove fault and maximize your claim.
  • Dealing directly with the insurance adjusters: We handle all communications with insurance companies to protect you from lowball offers or unfair tactics.
  • Fighting for every dollar you deserve: Whether through skilled negotiation or, if necessary, taking your case to court, we work tirelessly to secure full and fair compensation for your losses.

You shouldn’t be left paying the price if someone else’s negligence caused your injuries. We’re here to help you get the medical care, financial support, and peace of mind you need to move forward.

Injured on the Road? KNR’s Ohio Car Accident Lawyers Are Ready to Help

At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, we’ve helped thousands of injured victims across Ohio get the compensation they need after serious car crashes. Whether you’re recovering from broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, or facing lost wages, we’re here to guide you through the claims process.

Call 888-434-5280 or reach out online for a free consultation with an experienced Ohio car accident attorney.