CLEVELAND — Editor's Note: The above video is from a previously published story
The Ohio State Highway Patrol has released data about the impact that speed plays in car crashes.
According to the OSP, between 2018-2020, there were 91,972 car crashes in Ohio roadways that resulted from exceeding the speed limit or driving at an unsafe speed.
Nearly one-third of the speed-related crashes came from young drivers between the age of 15 and 24.
In total, there were 936 fatal crashes and 1,027 deaths statewide from accidents due to unsafe speeding conditions in the period of time between 2018-2020. Statewide, that number represented 29 percent of all fatal crashes.
Ohio also saw an increase in fatal speed-related crashes from 294 in 2019 to 337 in 2020.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is calling for drivers in the state to follow the speed limits following the release of the numbers.
“Crashes involving high speeds are preventable, and choosing to slow down could be the choice that saves your life or the life of someone you love,” said DeWine in a statement. “Speed limits are set for your safety, and I encourage drivers to always keep their attention on the road and follow the speed limits.”
Male drivers had a slightly higher tendency to be involved in a speed-related crash, making up 61 percent of the speed-related crashes during the past few years.
High speeds across the state of Ohio have been a significant problem, with over 220,000 speeding citations issued to drivers going 20 mph over the speed limit or more between 2018-2020.
“When a person drives over the speed limit, it increases the dangers to the driver, other motorists, and passengers,” said Captain Eric Sheppard, OSP's Cleveland District commander. “Because of the dangers, this is why responsibility, awareness, and safe speeds are so critical for our motoring public.”
Cuyahoga (9,701), Franklin (7,366), Hamilton (6,810), Summit (4,244) and Montgomery (4,113) counties accounted for 35 percent of speed-related crashes in the state.
Locally, 18,880 crashes throughout northeast Ohio occurred in 2019-2020 due to unsafe speed.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol urges drivers to follow the speed limit this year and remember that higher speeds are not always beneficial in saving time.
To view a recap of the statistics, check out the 2021 Ohio State Highway Patrol Traffic Safety Bulletin.
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