Officials review 10 fatal crashes; share safety tips

The Lorain County Traffic Fatality Review Committee, conducted through Lorain County Public Health met Dec. 1 and reviewed 10 fatal traffic crashes that killed 14 individuals

The fatal collisions occurred between Aug. 21 — Oct. 5 in Lorain County, according to a news release from the group.

The following factors contributed to the fatal crashes, some of which included multiple factors:

• Alcohol in three crashes

• Drugs in two crashes

• Medical issue in one crash

Motorcycles were involved in three crashes. A helmet was worn by one motorcyclist at the time of the crash. Five crashes involved individuals who were not wearing a seat belt at the time.

To make Lorain County roads safer as the holidays approach, the Traffic Fatality Review Committee reminds residents to be careful.

“When we choose to not drink and drive, we choose to put others first,” said Dave Covell, commissioner of Lorain County Public Health.

Serve nonalcoholic options to help encourage designated drivers to be a part of any celebration, the release said.

Covell urges people to pick up a free book of drink recipes for designated drivers.

They can visit the customer service desk at any Lorain County Discount

Drug Mart location, Lorain County Public Health at 9880 S Murray Ridge Road in Elyria or download it at LorainCountyHealth.com/ DriveSober.

Driving impaired can lead to hefty fines, legal fees, missed work, death and grief for loved ones, car insurance rate increases, vehicle repair costs and medical bills, the release said.

If you choose to drink alcohol outside your home, keep everyone on Lorain County roads safe by asking someone to be your designated driver or order an Uber or Lyft, the release said.

Drive focused, always wear a seat belt, wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle, drive sober and look out for bicyclists and pedestrians on the roads, according to the release.

On Lorain County roads, 29 crashes resulted in 32 deaths from January through November this year, the release said.

“When we choose to not drink and drive, we choose to put others first.”

— Dave Covell, commissioner of Lorain County Public Health