County had nine fatal crashes this quarter

There were nine fatal crashes on Lorain County roads between the end of May and Aug. 20 of this year, according to a news release.

The Lorain County Fatality Review Committee published the release, which states alcohol or drugs factored in five of those crashes.

The committee also found five of the crashes involved motorcycles.

Of those five crashes, four motorcyclists were not wearing helmets and three were under the influence of alcohol, according to the release.

Five drivers who were at fault in the deadly crashes were younger than the age of 26, the release said.

According to the release, there have been 23 fatal crashes and 25 deaths as of Sept. 8. Last year, there were 37 deaths throughout the county, according to the release.

As of Sept. 19, the Ohio State Highway Patrol website says there have been 787 confirmed traffic fatalities across the state.

At the same time last year, there had been 805 traffic deaths. An additional 11 fatalities have yet to be verified.

The site also said there has been one less fatality as a result of a crash in Lorain County than there was at the same time in 2016.

Most of the people who died in crashes this year have been those between the ages of 21 and 25, with 86 having died across the state, according to the Highway Patrol website.

The next group was ages 26 to 30 with 73 deaths across the state.

Katie Bevan, a health educator for the Lorain County General Health District, which conducted the survey, said there are many ways to stay safe on the road.

“The first thing that anyone can do, regardless of age, is to buckle up and wear a seatbelt every time they get into a car,” Bevan said.

It doesn’t matter what distance one plans to travel, seatbelts are imperative, she said.

Motorists also must attempt to cut down on distractions while driving, Bevan said.

That means not texting, adjusting the radio or arguing with passengers, she said.

“Science proves it is nearly impossible to multitask,” Bevan said. “So, when you’re driving, it’s most important to just focus on what you’re doing.”

Bevan also warned against using drugs or alcohol before or while driving.

Sgt. Rick Soto, head of the Lorain Police Department Traffic Division, also advises drivers to pay attention to traffic control devices.

“It’s imperative that we pay attention to them, be it a stop sign, a flashing red light or what it might be,” Soto said. “We can’t take it for granted that the other driver is going to stop.”

“The first thing that anyone can do, regardless of age, is to buckle up and wear a seatbelt every time they get into a car.”

— Katie Bevan, a health educator for the Lorain County General Health District