Unsafe speeds responsible for 29% of fatal crashes, OSHP claims

The Ohio State Highway Patrol recently released data detailing the role speed has played in car crashes in Ohio throughout the last two years, and it isn’t a small one. 

According to the data released by OSP, there were 91,972 crashes as a result of high speed (exceeding the speed limit or driving at an unsafe speed0 between 2018 and 2020. Almost one-third of these crashes involved young drivers between the ages of 15 and 24. 

From 2018 to 2020, Ohio experienced 936 fatal crashes and 1,027 deaths statewide due to unsafe speeding – this represents 29% of all fatal crashes in the state for that time period. Ohio also saw an increase in speed-related crashes resulting in death in recent years – 294 in 2019 and 337 in 2020. 

“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.”

“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.”

To view the statistics for yourself, click here.