The Knox County Safe Communities Coalition has released its traffic fatalities update for the first quarter of 2025. The report indicates one traffic crash fatality from January 1 to March 31, 2025. This is an increase compared to the same period in 2024, which recorded zero fatalities.
In the first quarter of 2025, Knox County experienced a total of 169 crashes, resulting in one fatality. Suzanne Dapprich, Safe Communities Program Coordinator at Knox Public Health, said: "The crash statistics for this quarter indicate that 20% of drivers were speeding, 9% were not wearing a seatbelt, 5% of drivers were driving impaired with alcohol and drug, and 3% were distracted."
The Safe Communities Coalition aims to reduce traffic fatalities through media campaigns, events, activities, and educational materials. Their focus includes educating drivers on impaired driving, seat belt use, distracted driving, and motorcycle awareness. The program is funded by a grant from the Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO).
For more information about OTSO's statewide safety efforts or to get involved with the Knox County Safe Communities Coalition, contact Suzanne Dapprich at 740-392-2200 x 2225 or sdapprich@knoxhealth.com.
