COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported Monday that within the last five years, Franklin County has seen the most fatal crashes in the state.
From the start of 2019 through 2023, there were 5,773 deadly crashes on Ohio roadways resulting in 6,262 fatalities. OSHP says 570 of those happened in Franklin County.
More than one in four of those fatal crashes were the result of driving off the roadway. OSHP says unsafe speed, driving left of center, failure to yield the right of way, following too closely and running a stop sign were other top contributing factors.
The following counties accounted for 33% of all fatal crashes statewide in the last five years:
Franklin County – 570
Cuyahoga County – 487
Hamilton County – 319
Montgomery County – 286
Lucas County - 225
“The Patrol’s review found that many of these fatal crashes were preventable,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “All drivers can play a role in preventing more needless crashes by keeping their eyes on the road, keeping their hands on the wheel, and keeping their electronic devices down. It’s not only the right thing to do, but it’s also the law.”
In January 2023, DeWine signed a bill designed to strengthen laws related to distracted driving. The law, allowing people to be stopped by police solely for holding or using a cellphone while driving, went into effect April 4.
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