Deadly crashes reach 10-year high
More people have been killed on Clark County roadways so far this year than during the same time frame over the past 10 years.
This year, 21 fatal crashes have led to 22 deaths in Clark County. Of those crashes, 75% of motorists were not wearing a seat belt, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Statistics show that deadly crashes are more likely to happen between 6 and 9 p.m., and that one in three fatal crashes involve impaired driving, the patrol reported.
“We need motorists to be cognizant of themselves and others while they are driving on the roadways,” said Lt. Brian Aller, commander of the patrol’s Springfield post. “Always wear a safety belt, obey speed limits and never drive impaired.”
To help combat the rising number of deadly crashes, troopers will increase visibility and enforcement throughout Clark County, including work zones. This is part of an initiative by the highway patrol, Ohio Department of Transportation and AAA to bring awareness and education about the dangers of speed, driving impaired, driving distracted and the importance of wearing a seat belt.
The COVID-19 pandemic may have played a role in the spike in crashes, Aller told the News-Sun last month.
“Decisions made from the COVID pandemic affected almost all of Ohio. The misperception that troopers, police and deputies are not working has possibly emboldened some unfortunate few to drive beyond the capabilities of their vehicles and themselves,” he said.
Motorists are anxious, a specialist with AAA said.
“This year has posed many challenges for drivers. Anxiety, anger and uncertainty can translate into distracted and inattentive driving. Emotions can bubble over into aggressive driving and unsafe speeds. The result has been an uptick in fatal crashes,” said Kara Hitchens, AAA senior specialist. “Motorists are reminded to be aware of how their emotions and distracted thinking could be affecting their driving, and to keep those things in check and concentrate on the road.”
Springfield Police Traffic Sgt. Michael Curtis said last month he could not pinpoint a specific cause to the increase in fatalities this year in the city, but said there has been an increase in lack of regard for other drivers.
“There does seem to be an increase in people disregarding the speed limit and also disregarding basic traffic stop signs and stop lights,” Curtis said. “We’ve seen an increase in people proceeding through intersections without any sort of regard.”
He explained that timed traffic lights within the city limits are designed to move traffic efficiently. Drivers should expect to wait at those lights for 50 seconds or less, he said.
The public is encouraged to use #677 to report dangerous or impaired drivers, as well as drug activity.