COLUMBUS – Law enforcement authorities say nearly 100 people have been killed on roadways in Franklin County in 2020, so the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Columbus Police Department and Franklin County Sheriff’s Office are teaming up to reduce the number fatal crashes in the county this fall.
In the first nine months of 2020, there were 89 fatal crashes resulting in 94 deaths in Franklin County, according to the patrol.
Fatal and injury crashes continue to be concentrated in high-density traffic corridors. with the most dangerous routes being I-270 and I-71 so the agencies will increase visibility and enforcement in the high-density corridors and work zones.
Fatal crashes occurred most often between the hours of 7:00 and 9:59 p.m. and 62% of the victims were not wearing seatbelts.
Impaired driving accounts for nearly one-third of Franklin County’s fatal crashes. Other factors include speed, failure to yield and distracted driving.
MADD, AAA and Columbus Public Health are helping in the effort to bring awareness and education to drivers public about the dangers of speed, driving impaired, driving distracted and the importance of safety belt usage.