The number of serious accidents involving pedestrians is on the rise in the state, according to a recent study from the Ohio Department of Transportation.
During the study’s 10-year-period of 2009 to 2018, Ohio had 6,174 serious accidents involving pedestrians, with nearly 18 percent being fatal. This amounts to 612 fatal accidents each year.
The report noted that 134 pedestrians died on state roads in 2018, about a 5 percent drop from the 141 pedestrian fatalities reported in 2017.
Columbus, Cincinnati are at the top
Columbus ranked first in the state for having the highest number of serious pedestrian accidents. The city reported an average of 73 pedestrian accidents per year. However, Cincinnati ranked first for the highest crash rate per population with 17.3, as well as having the highest crash density per square mile.
The counties with the highest number of serious pedestrian crashes per 100,000 residents were: Hamilton (9.6); Lucas (8.4); Franklin (7.9); Montgomery (7.9); and Scioto (7.2).
More from the ODOT report
Here are other findings from the ODOT report.
- The 15-25 age group accounts for 23 percent of pedestrians in serious injury crashes, but the age group represents only 13 percent of Ohio’s population.
- Sixty-seven percent of fatal crashes and 62 percent of serious injury crashes involved male pedestrians.
- There was an increase in crashes during dusk/dark hours in the fall and winter months.
On a more positive note, the report said Ohio had the 11th-lowest pedestrian fatality rate per population of all 50 states.
The usual suspects
Contributing factors to many of these accidents are a rogues’ gallery of reasons, such as drunk driving, speeding, distracted driving, and reckless driving. Pedestrians must be alert and aware of any potential threats. If you have questions about accidents involving pedestrians, contact an attorney who is experienced in this area of the law.