Weekend and Evening Driving: The Silent Killers on Ohio’s Roads
A new report by Fitch Law Firm LLC reveals a troubling trend on Ohio’s highways, identifying the deadliest roads, most dangerous times to drive, and the major causes behind fatal crashes in the state. Between 2020 and 2023, there were 4,738 fatal crashes across Ohio, with 1,242 lives lost in 2023 alone.
This data-driven analysis offers a stark warning to Ohio drivers and calls for immediate action to address preventable road fatalities.
Dangerous Patterns on Ohio Roads
The findings show that weekends are the most dangerous time to drive, particularly Saturday, which saw the highest number of fatalities (849), followed by Friday (779) and Sunday (698). Evening hours are also alarmingly deadly. The most hazardous windows are:
- 6:00–6:59 PM – 295 fatalities
- 7:00–7:59 PM – 295 fatalities
- Fatality rates stay high through 10:00 PM, reflecting increased risks during typical leisure hours.
This pattern strongly suggests a link to social and recreational driving, often coupled with impaired judgment, speeding, or driver fatigue.
Ohio’s Top 5 Deadliest Roads
The report also identifies the highways and routes with the highest fatality counts:
- Interstate 71 (I-71) – 98 fatalities
- Interstate 75 (I-75) – 96 fatalities
- Interstate 70 (I-70) – 65 fatalities
- US Route 40 – 55 fatalities
- US Route 6 – 53 fatalities
These highways are among Ohio’s busiest corridors, serving both commercial and commuter traffic. Their fatality numbers are a consequence of volume, speed, and risky driver behavior.
What’s Causing These Fatalities?
Several persistent issues contribute to Ohio’s deadly crash statistics:
- Impaired driving is a factor in roughly 50% of all fatal crashes.
- Seatbelt non-use is alarmingly prevalent, involved in 61% of fatalities.
- Speeding remains a top contributor to loss of control and deadly impact.
- Winter weather conditions, including snow and ice, led to at least 26 fatalities during the reporting period.
- Aging infrastructure and deteriorating roads only amplify risk levels, especially in rural and industrial areas.
A spokesperson from Fitch Law Firm LLC emphasized:
“Ohio’s roads are among the most dangerous in the country. We’re seeing a deadly combination of impaired driving, lack of seatbelt use, and poor infrastructure—especially during weekend nights. More education and enforcement are critical.”
Recommendations for Change
The report urges state agencies, lawmakers, and communities to implement a multi-pronged safety strategy, focusing on:
- Stricter enforcement of OVI laws to reduce impaired driving.
- Public awareness campaigns promoting consistent seatbelt use.
- Investment in infrastructure repairs and modern safety features like lighting and median barriers.
- Real-time hazard alerts and education about high-risk timeframes and roads.
Protecting Ohio Drivers
With Ohio’s extensive network of highways and interstates, the state must confront the factors that make its roads so hazardous.
“By tackling impaired driving, improving infrastructure, and raising awareness, Ohio can save lives and prevent countless tragedies,” the spokesperson added.
