Portage County’s roads were significantly safer in 2024.
According to figures released Feb. 15 by the Portage County Fatal Crash Review Board, traffic-related fatalities in the county decreased from 19 in 2023 to 12 in 2024.
Portage County recorded a total of 11 fatal crashes in 2024, leading to the 12 deaths; these crashes occurred between Jan. 22 and Dec. 28. By comparison, 2023 saw 19 fatal crashes and 19 related deaths, all occurring between Jan. 23 and Sept. 28.
Of the 11 fatal crashes in Portage County in 2024, seven were due to “driving left of center,” while two were caused by “distracted driving.” Additional contributing factors included “failure to yield” and “following too closely.”
The Fatal Crash Review Board, a requirement of the Safe Communities program, is responsible for reviewing fatal crashes, identifying trends and recommending countermeasures.
The review board’s numbers from 2024 also found that:
- Of the 12 traffic-related deaths in Portage County, seven were drivers, three were passengers, and two were pedestrians.
- There were two fatal motorcycle crashes, with one rider at fault and one not at fault.
- One fatal crash involved a commercial vehicle, in which the commercial driver was not at fault.
- While not all toxicology reports have been received, at least two fatal crashes involved drugs and/or alcohol.
- 26% of at-fault drivers in fatal crashes were under age 24, while 18% were over age 50.
- Seven of the 11 fatal crashes occurred on rural roads.
- Mondays and Saturdays accounted for 54% of the total fatal crashes, while Wednesdays accounted for 27%.
The Fatal Crash Review Board recommends continued traffic safety education and enhanced enforcement of Ohio traffic laws, particularly those related to distracted driving, seat belt usage and impaired driving.
Safe Communities is a program of the Portage County Health District.
Tom Hardesty is a Portager sports columnist. He was formerly assistant sports editor at the Record-Courier and author of the book Glimpses of Heaven.