Traffic Fatality Review Committee investigates

Officials look at four crashes, offer timely prevention reminders

The Lorain County Traffic Fatality Review Committee, conducted through Lorain County Public Health, reviewed four fatal traffic crashes that killed five individuals between Oct. 29 and Dec. 11 in Lorain County.

The Traffic Fatality Review Committee met March 2 and members said three of the crashes reviewed have pending test results to confirm contributing circumstances, according to a news release from the committee.

Updates will be provided at the June meeting, the release said.

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

• Three crashes involved individuals who were not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash

• Three victims were younger than the age of 55

• Three occurred before 3:45 a.m.

According to the release, the Traffic Fatality Review Committee and the Safe Communities Coalition is reminding Lorain County residents to:

• Drive sober — do not rely on luck this St. Patrick’s Day or any day. Make a plan to get home safely before celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. Ask someone to be your designated driver or order an Uber or Lyft.

• Make new habits that could save your life and protect others.

“It’s so important to start safe habits at a young age like wearing seat belts and driving focused,” said Mark Adams, Lorain County Public Health commissioner.

This spring, Lorain County high schools participate in the Buckle Up Bowl to hone safe driving behaviors.

Buckle Up Bowl is a student-led competition that empowers students to impact the driving habits of their classmates, friends and family.

Students compete for most improved seat belt rate, most creative campaign and best buckled high school in Lorain County, said a release.

The 2022 campaign will run April 4-29. Winners will be announced the week of May 16.

On Lorain County roads, 33 crashes resulted in 38 deaths in 2021, the release said.

As of March 2, two crashes resulted in two deaths in 2022.