Crash Fatalities Down in County, State

There were fewer fatal car accidents in both Lorain County and Northeast Ohio in 2011, the Ohio State Highway Patrol reported with its release of 2011 activity throughout the state.

There were 18 fatal crashes in Lorain County in 2011, down from 21 in 2010. Nine were DUI-related, two involved commercial vehicles and four involved motorcycles.

Statewide, traffic deaths were at 1,010 as of Dec. 27. There were 1,080 traffic deaths in 2010.

Tougher enforcement of DUI laws is believed to be part of the reason why fatalities are down.

“We are seeing positive results from the hard work of our troopers on the road everyday removing impaired and dangerous drivers from the roadways,” said Colonel John Born, Patrol superintendent, in a statement released by the Patrol. “As the Patrol’s OVI arrests increase, we are seeing a direct correlation in the decrease of overall fatalities.”

There were 958 DUI stops in Lorain County in 2011, down from 1,128 in 2010, the Patrol reported. 

While there weren't any fatal crashes in Lorain County over New Year's weekend, the number of traffic fatalities statewide increased to 13 this year. Last year, there were 10 traffic deaths.