COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio State Highway Patrol has released information regarding vehicle defects and their impact on road safety.
From 2018 to 2022, there were over 10,000 crashes in Ohio where vehicle defects were identified as a contributing factor, with brake failures and tire blowouts being the most common causes. Sadly, there were also 42 fatal crashes during this period, resulting in 49 deaths on Ohio’s roadways, with tire blowouts being the leading cause in 31 percent of these incidents. In addition, there were 2,779 injury crashes in which vehicle defects were identified as a contributing factor.
Governor Mike DeWine urged motorists to take simple precautions to prevent vehicle defect-related crashes, such as regularly checking their tires, brakes, headlights, and other equipment.
Older vehicles accounted for almost half of all vehicle defect-related crashes from 2018 to 2022, with those from model years 2000-2009 being involved in 49 percent of these crashes. In contrast, vehicles from model years 2011-2020 were involved in 26 percent of the crashes.
Patrol superintendent Colonel Charles A. Jones emphasized that many of these crashes could be prevented if drivers kept up with vehicle maintenance. He warned that failure to do so could not only put the driver’s life at risk but also endanger the lives of others on the road.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol reminds drivers to call #677 if they see unsafe driving or require assistance on Ohio’s roadways.
