The Ohio State Highway Patrol urged drivers to maintain their vehicles after revealing over 10,000 crashes were due to mechanical defects.
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The Ohio State Highway Patrol tracked automotive crashes from 2018 to 2022. The agency found 10,103 crashes in the state were attributed to vehicle defects. Brake failures and tire blowouts were the most common causes of these defects.
Of the 10,103 crashes, 42 were deadly, resulting in 49 deaths. Tire blowout was the leading cause, making up 31 percent of the deadly crashes.
Additionally, 2,779 of the 10,103 crashes left victims injured.
“Keeping your vehicle in good operating condition by routinely checking your tires, brakes, headlights, and other equipment are simple things motorists can do to prevent vehicle defect-related crashes,” Governor Mike DeWine said. “When you ensure your vehicle is roadworthy, you are helping to keep our roadways safe.”
The state patrol’s survey also found that older vehicles were more likely to be involved in defect-related crashes.
Vehicles from model years 2000 to 2009 accounted for 49 percent of the crashes, while newer vehicles, 2011 to 2020, made up 26 percent, nearly half that of older models.
“A lot of these are preventable crashes,” Patrol superintendent, Colonel Charles A. Jones, said. “If you’re not keeping up with the maintenance of your vehicle, you are putting your life and the lives of others at risk.”
State patrol finally reminded people to call #677 when they see unsafe driving practices or if they need assistance on Ohio roadways.
For more information, you can visit their website to find the traffic safety bulletin.
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