A new traffic safety study from The Fitch Law Firm is raising red flags across Ohio. The firm’s analysis of crash data from 2020 to 2023 reveals that Ohio drivers face some of the highest roadway risks in the nation, with 4,738 fatal crashes occurring statewide during those four years and a staggering 1,242 lives lost in 2023 alone.
The findings go beyond raw totals. The report pinpoints exactly when and where drivers are most at risk, offering critical insight that could help reduce avoidable deaths. The results are clear: weekends, evening hours, and several major highways are consistently associated with deadly outcomes.
Evening Hours and Weekends Mark the Deadliest Driving Times
The data shows a marked spike in fatalities during the evening commute and late-night hours. Crashes are especially common after 6:00 PM, when visibility decreases and drivers are more likely to be fatigued, distracted, or impaired.
- 6:00–6:59 PM and 7:00–7:59 PM each saw 295 fatalities, making them the most dangerous hours on Ohio roads.
- Risk remains high into the evening, with continued fatalities through 10 PM.
When it comes to the most dangerous days to drive, weekends are consistently the deadliest:
- Saturday: 849 fatalities
- Friday: 779 fatalities
- Sunday: 698 fatalities
These crashes often involve a mix of recreational driving, increased traffic volumes, and higher incidences of drunk or impaired driving.
Ohio’s Most Dangerous Roads Identified
Several major roadways consistently rank as Ohio’s most fatal:
- Interstate 71 (I-71) – 98 fatalities
- Interstate 75 (I-75) – 96 fatalities
- Interstate 70 (I-70) – 65 fatalities
- U.S. Route 40 – 55 fatalities
- U.S. Route 6 – 53 fatalities
These highways are major commuter and freight corridors. High speeds, congestion, and limited alternate routes contribute to elevated crash rates.
What’s Causing These Fatalities?
The report highlights several recurring risk factors behind Ohio’s high fatal crash rate:
- Impaired Driving: Involved in roughly half of all fatal crashes, operating a vehicle under the influence remains one of the state’s most dangerous trends.
- Seatbelt Non-Use: Shockingly, 61% of those killed were not wearing a seatbelt, despite decades of awareness campaigns.
- Adverse Weather: Ohio’s winter road conditions added to the risk; 26 deaths were linked to snow or ice during the study period.
- Aging Infrastructure: Deteriorating roads and bridges contribute to poor driving conditions and increased accident risk.
Fitch Law Firm Urges Action
“Too many families are grieving avoidable losses,” said a spokesperson for The Fitch Law Firm. “We can’t ignore what the data tells us, weekend and nighttime driving, especially on certain highways, comes with serious risks.”
The firm recommends a multi-pronged approach to improving driver safety in the state:
- Increased DUI checkpoints and stricter enforcement
- Greater investment in public infrastructure upgrades
- Expanded driver education around risk factors like seatbelt usage and nighttime travel
- More visible public safety campaigns targeting high-risk periods
A Statewide Call for Awareness
Ohio’s location in the heart of the Midwest, combined with its sprawling highway system and mixed urban-rural geography, makes it uniquely vulnerable to traffic dangers. But experts say that with the right preventative measures, many of these deaths could be avoided.
“There’s no single fix, but every driver can be part of the solution,” the spokesperson added. “By buckling up, slowing down, and staying sober behind the wheel, we can all help make Ohio’s roads safer.”
