In 2023, Ohio recorded approximately 1,154 fatal crashes, resulting in an estimated 1,152 to 1,245 fatalities. There were around 57,949 injury crashes and a total of 98,575 crashes of all types reported across the state. Over the five-year period from 2019 to 2023, Ohio experienced 5,773 fatal crashes and 6,262 total fatalities. On average, the state records more than 1,100 deaths annually due to vehicle crashes. Impaired driving remains the leading cause of fatalities and major highways such as Interstate 71, Interstate 75, and Interstate 70 are among the most dangerous corridors. While fatal crashes are highly concentrated in urban counties, they occur throughout the state.
Passenger cars represented the largest share of vehicles involved in crashes, accounting for 440 incidents and making up 35% of the total - meaning more than one in every three crashes involved a standard passenger vehicle.
Motorcycles were involved in 239 crashes, comprising 19% of the total - a notably high share that speaks to the heightened vulnerability riders face every time they take to the road without the protection of an enclosed vehicle around them.
Light trucks and SUVs followed closely as the second most common vehicle type, appearing in 332 crashes and representing 27% of the total - a reflection of just how dominant these larger vehicles have become on today's roads.
Buses and public transportation vehicles were involved in 22 crashes, making up 2% of the total- a relatively modest figure, though one that carries added weight given the number of passengers these vehicles carry on any given trip.
Semi-trucks and tractor-trailers appeared in 12 crashes, accounting for just 1% of the total - the smallest share of any vehicle category, yet one that commands serious attention given the catastrophic damage these massive vehicles can inflict in even a single collision.
Pedestrians accounted for 145 of those involved in traffic crashes, representing 12% of the total - a sobering figure that highlights just how exposed and defenceless those on foot remain when sharing the road with fast-moving vehicles.
is the most dangerous due to high traffic volume, speeding and congestion.
is considered dangerous due to high traffic, congestion and speeding.
is considered dangerous due to frequent congestion, sudden stops and speeding.
is risky because of rural stretches with no physical divider and a higher head-on collision risk.
sees frequent crashes due to urban traffic (Cleveland area) and adverse weather conditions.
Single vehicle fatal car accident occurs on Rural & Appalachian Ohio area.
of fatal car accidents in Ohio happen in rural areas.
Multiple vehicle fatal car accidents occur on The Big 5 Urban Counties.
fatal car accidents in Ohio happen in urban areas.
A car accident can be overwhelming and stressful, even if it's minor. Knowing what steps to take immediately afterward can help protect your health, your legal rights, and your financial interests. Here are five essential things to do after an accident:
Your safety comes first. Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt. Even if injuries seem minor, it's important to get medical attention, as some symptoms may not appear right away. If possible, move to a safe location away from traffic while waiting for help to arrive.
Always report the accident to the police. An official police report creates an objective record of what happened, which can be critical for insurance claims and legal matters. Cooperate with the officer, provide accurate information, and avoid admitting fault at the scene.
If it's safe to do so, gather as much information as possible. Take photos or videos of the vehicles, damage, license plates, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) and attempt getting contact details from any witnesses in the area.
Even if you feel fine, consider seeing a medical professional as soon as possible. Injuries such as whiplash, concussions, or soft-tissue damage can take hours or days to show symptoms.
Report the accident to your insurance provider promptly and provide them with accurate details. Stick to the facts and avoid speculation. Keep copies of all documents related to the accident, including medical bills, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurers.
You must honk every time you pass another vehicle
Statewide — Ohio Driver's Education Manual
This state law was published in older Ohio driver’s education manuals. The law required the drivers to give an audible signal/honk any time they passed another moving vehicle. Originally intended as a safety alert when cars were new and unfamiliar, the rule has never been removed. It is hard to imagine being stuck in rush hour traffic if all drivers actually followed this.
Running out of gas is a misdemeanour
Youngstown, Ohio (Mahoning County)
Within Youngstown city limits, running out of gas is classified as a misdemeanour offense. The logic behind this regulation is that a stalled vehicle creates a road hazard. However, criminalizing a fuel miscalculation is widely considered one of the oddest driving laws in the state. Officers technically can (and occasionally do) cite drivers for it.
You must give horse-drawn buggies enough space
Statewide — Ohio Revised Code
Ohio law explicitly requires drivers to give horse-drawn buggies sufficient passing space and to slow down when approaching. Unlike some of the other strange laws, this is not one of those antiquated old regulations that do not apply to modern life in Ohio. The reason for this is mainly attributed to Ohio’s large Amish populations. In fact, Holmes, Wayne and Tuscarawas counties have dense buggy traffic on rural roads. This law is actively enforced and collisions with buggies are treated seriously.
It's illegal to fish for whales on Sundays
Statewide — Ohio Revised Code
Ohio law technically prohibits whale fishing on Sundays. The major issue with this law has to do with the fact that Ohio is a landlocked state with zero whales. The law was likely a copy-paste from maritime legislation adopted in earlier compilations of state law and never removed.
Car dealerships must close on Sundays
Statewide — Ohio Revised Code § 4517.09
Ohio is one of a shrinking number of states that legally prohibits car dealerships from opening on Sundays. The law dates to "blue laws" protecting religious observance. Dealerships cannot sell, trade, or offer vehicles for purchase on Sunday. Violations can result in dealer license suspension. The auto industry has lobbied to repeal it for decades; however, the law stands to this day.
It's illegal to ride on the roof of a taxi
Various Ohio cities — local ordinances
Several Ohio cities have specific ordinances prohibiting passengers from riding on the outside or roof of a taxi cab. While seemingly obvious, this rule was apparently necessary enough that multiple cities signed it separately from general vehicle safety laws.
No driving through livestock on Lake Road
Lake Road corridor, Ohio
This is an older local ordinance along Lake Road prohibiting people from driving through herds of cattle or livestock without the consent of the driver. While livestock drives on public roads are rare today, when this law was passed, they were common and farmers successfully lobbied for drivers to stop and wait to get permission.
New Ohio Laws That Actually Matter