The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), and Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO) are urging motorists to prioritize safe driving this holiday season to help Ohio achieve a fourth consecutive year of declining traffic fatalities.
After traffic deaths peaked at 1,356 in 2021, Ohio has seen a steady decrease over the past three years: 1,275 in 2022, 1,242 in 2023, and 1,157 in 2024.
However, 2025 crash data shows fatalities are currently tracking close to last year’s pace, prompting state agencies to launch a year-end enforcement and education effort targeting the behaviors most often linked to deadly crashes: distraction, impairment, speeding, and failure to wear seat belts.
As of November 13, 976 lives have been lost on Ohio roads, compared to 1,029 at the same point in 2024.
“We’ve made tremendous progress in saving lives on Ohio roadways, but we can’t afford to let up now,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “Every driver plays a role in keeping this positive trend going by staying alert, slowing down, and always buckling up.”
Governor DeWine has emphasized roadway safety throughout his administration, including increased funding for ODOT’s Highway Safety Improvement Program, one of the largest in the nation.
The funding supports projects targeting high-crash locations and dangerous crash types.
“With record investments in roadway safety, engineering can only go so far. Drivers must take responsibility and make safe decisions behind the wheel,” said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol reports that speed, impairment, and not wearing a seat belt remain leading factors in most fatal crashes.
Troopers will increase visibility and enforcement through the end of the year.
“Our message is simple: We want everyone to make it home for the holidays,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, superintendent of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. “Put the phone away, buckle up, drive sober, and make the safe choice every time you get behind the wheel.”
In 2024, 43% of traffic deaths involved drugs, 34% involved unbelted occupants, 32% involved alcohol impairment, and 30% involved excessive speed.
The Ohio Traffic Safety Office is supporting the statewide effort through targeted safety messaging and community outreach.
“Ohio is close to achieving a fourth straight year of declining traffic fatalities — a milestone made possible by the everyday choices Ohioans make behind the wheel,” said OTSO Director Emily Davidson. “Simple, safe decisions like buckling up, slowing down, and staying focused while driving can make all the difference and help ensure more loved ones make it home to share in their holiday celebrations.”
With the holiday travel season approaching, Ohio’s traffic safety partners are urging all drivers to do their part to make sure 2025 ends as another year of progress — not tragedy.
