“Warren, Ohio Reports 20 Fatal Crashes in 2023, Majority Linked to Alcohol or Drug Impairment: Ohio State Highway Patrol”

Accident – death – Obituary News : Title: Ohio State Highway Patrol Investigates 17 Out of 20 Fatal Crashes in Trumbull County in 2023

Introduction

In 2023, the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) investigated 17 out of the 20 fatal crashes that occurred in Trumbull County, according to Lieutenant Daniel Morrison of the Warren Post. Of these fatal crashes, 12 were related to alcohol or drug impairment. Lt. Morrison emphasized the need for improvement in addressing impaired driving, which has been a persistent issue in the county.

Alcohol and Drug Impairment

Out of the 20 fatal crashes investigated, 12 were linked to alcohol or drug impairment, highlighting the need for increased awareness and prevention efforts. Lt. Morrison stated that OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired) offenses have been a recurring problem in fatal crashes in previous years as well. In 2022, the number of OVI-related crashes decreased from 15 to 13. Lt. Morrison emphasized the importance of both traffic enforcement and education in reducing fatalities.

Demographics of Fatal Crashes

The demographics of fatal crashes in Trumbull County in 2023 revealed that nine crashes involved individuals over the age of 55, while three crashes involved individuals under 24. Lt. Morrison emphasized the need for all age groups to improve their driving habits and avoid impaired driving.

Collaborative Efforts

In an attempt to reduce fatal crashes, Lt. Morrison highlighted the collaborative efforts between the OSHP, Trumbull County Safe Communities, Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), and the Trumbull County Engineer’s Office. They examine each fatal crash to identify potential engineering improvements. However, driver error remains a significant factor in most crashes.

Recommendations for Intersection Safety

Lt. Morrison mentioned recent meetings with ODOT to recommend additional safety measures at problematic intersections. These measures include the incorporation of flashing yellow or red lights and increased signage. ODOT has expressed plans to conduct a formal safety study at the intersection of 422 and U.S. State Route 305 in Southington, where a fatal OVI-related crash occurred.

Pedestrian Fatalities

In 2023, Trumbull County witnessed three pedestrian fatal crashes within eight days in February. One of the crashes involved a 44-year-old Cleveland woman who was crossing U.S. State Route 422 when she was struck by a vehicle. Lt. Morrison urged families to report any concerns about their loved ones’ driving abilities to the DMV, which can require a driver’s test based on physical, mental, or visual impairments.

Proactive Approach to Teen Driving

The Warren Post takes a proactive approach to address teenage driving. Programs such as SMASH (Students Making A Safer Highway) aim to educate teenagers about traffic safety. These programs, conducted in partnership with the Ohio State Extension Office’s 4-H Youth Development, empower students to create and present their own traffic safety programs in their schools. As a result, teen-related crashes have seen a decline in recent years.

Distracted Driving and Traffic Violations

Distracted driving continues to be a concern in Trumbull County. In 2023, there were 95 distracted-driving crashes with property damage, 38 with suspected minor injuries, 17 with possible injuries, and six with suspected serious injuries. While there were no fatal accidents attributed to distracted driving in 2023, it remains necessary to enforce distracted driving laws and raise awareness about its dangers.

Conclusion

The Ohio State Highway Patrol, in collaboration with other organizations, is actively working to address the issue of fatal crashes in Trumbull County. By focusing on traffic enforcement, education, and engineering improvements, the goal is to reduce fatalities and improve overall road safety. Public cooperation and responsible driving are crucial in achieving these objectives..