Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Ohio State Highway Patrol Superintendent Colonel Charles Jones, and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Pamela Boratyn announced that traffic fatalities in Ohio have declined for the fourth consecutive year. This sustained progress underscores the combined efforts of state agencies and safety initiatives aimed at preventing crashes and saving lives.
A Downward Trend in Fatal Crashes and a Focus on Prevention
According to preliminary data from the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), the number of traffic fatalities in 2025 dropped by approximately 3% compared to 2024, representing a difference of 32 lives saved. This continues a trend that began in 2022, with a total of 231 lives saved over the past four years.
“The fact that more people have made it home to their families the past four years is certainly worth celebrating, but make no mistake — the number of people killed on Ohio’s roads remains far too high,” said Governor DeWine. “Everyone has a role in making our roads safer, and we all have more work to do.”
Top contributing factors to fatal crashes in 2025 included driving off the roadway, failure to yield, unsafe speed, driving left of center, tailgating, and running stop signs. Distracted driving—although often underreported—is also believed to significantly impact crash statistics.
One of the most tragic and preventable patterns continues to be seatbelt non-use. From 2021 to 2025, nearly 62% of individuals killed in crashes involving seatbelt-equipped vehicles were not wearing one, equaling around 2,500 lives lost.
“Oftentimes, fatal crashes are a preventable tragedy, so some of these people would very likely still be here today had they buckled up,” said Colonel Jones. “Wearing a seatbelt is just as important as slowing down, staying alert, and obeying the law.”
Governor DeWine’s Multi-Faceted Approach to Road Safety
Under Governor DeWine’s leadership, Ohio has taken a comprehensive approach to traffic safety, addressing infrastructure, driver behavior, and training. The state’s Highway Safety Improvement Program, led by ODOT, is now the largest per capita safety program in the U.S. It funds construction projects designed to reduce crashes, such as intersection upgrades, improved signage, and the installation of roundabouts in high-risk areas.
“Four straight years of declining traffic deaths is more than just a statistic; it represents hundreds of lives saved,” said Director Boratyn. “From major intersection reconstructions to improved technology and signage, our strategic focus on high-crash locations is making a measurable difference.”
Governor DeWine has also championed legislation to reduce distracted driving. In 2023, he signed Senate Bill 288, which made it illegal in most cases to hold or use a phone while driving. Since enforcement began in October 2023, traffic deaths have dropped 11%, equating to 280 lives saved compared to the two years prior.
Investing in the Next Generation of Safe Drivers
Recognizing that inexperience is the top reason for crashes among new drivers, the state also strengthened training requirements. Now, all drivers aged 16 to 20 must complete driver training before testing for a license.
To ensure equitable access, the Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO) launched the Drive to Succeed scholarship program in 2022. Over 6,000 teens from families in need have already received help covering driving school costs.
“When teens learn safe driving skills early, those habits become second nature,” said OTSO Director Emily Davidson. “These behaviors don’t just help them pass a driving test – they set the foundation for a lifetime of responsible driving.”
As Ohio continues to implement these layered safety strategies, leaders remain committed to further reducing crash-related deaths and making roadways safer for everyone.
