MOUNT VERNON – As Knox County’s traffic fatalities are on the rise, an infusion of nearly $30,000 in state funding will be used to promote traffic safety in the area.
According to a press release, Knox Public Health received the $27,500 grant as part of the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s annual funding program. The competitively awarded grant will allow the Knox County Safe Communities Coalition to partner with police and other agencies to highlight traffic safety trends compiled by the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) and to address residents’ concerns.
So far for 2022, Knox County has reported nine traffic fatalities, up from last year’s tally of five, six in 2020 and seven in 2019.
Impaired driving, lack of seatbelts lead to fatalities
Over the past two years, Knox County has logged more than 20 traffic fatalities. During that period, 30% were caused by drivers intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. Nearly half neglected to wear a seatbelt for auto accidents or a helmet for motorcyclists, the release stated.
“Our goal every year is to reduce the number of traffic fatalities in our community; each life lost is one too many,” Amy Seward, Knox Public Health’s Safe Communities coordinator, said.
For more information or to get involved with the Knox County Safe Communities Coalition, contact Seward at (740) 392-2200, Ext. 2235, or aseward@knoxhealth.com.
Traffic accidents by the numbers
According to data compiled by the OSHP, Knox County’s seatbelt compliance rate is 91%, besting the state average of 84.1%. The county also reported that 77% of crashes resulted in property damage, 22% in injuries and 1% in fatalities.
No clear answer emerges as far as which day of the week sees the highest rate of accidents. Tied for the top spot are Monday, Tuesday and Friday, with 15% each, while Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday report 14% each. Sunday sees the fewest at 13%.
Regarding what time of day most accidents occur in Knox County, most occur in the afternoon, with 47% of crashes occurring then. Morning is second at 38% and evening is third with a 15% accident rate.
Dangerous locations pinpointed
The OSHP identifies state Route 13 in Clinton Township as a hotspot for auto accidents. Earlier this year, a driver and a 1-year-old child were killed when their southbound minivan hit a curve and crossed the lane into the path of a pickup truck. The pickup driver was sent to the hospital with severe injuries.
Another noteworthy crash this year happened on Springwater Drive near New Delaware Road. The OSHP reports that an SUV was struck when it crossed into the path of a truck traveling at 50 mph. The truck was not required to stop. This crash sent the SUV’s driver to the hospital with serious injuries, and they were cited for failure to yield from a stop sign.
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