COLUMBUS, Ohio – More than 6,000 Ohioans lost their lives in traffic crashes between 2021 and 2025, according to new data from the Ohio State Highway Patrol — a sobering toll that safety advocates say underscores the need for continued vigilance on the state’s roads.
The figures show 6,149 fatalities across 5,688 fatal crashes over the five-year span. In 2025 alone, Ohio recorded 1,037 fatal crashes, a figure that carries some rare encouragement: it represents a 3.7% decrease compared to 2024 totals.
The data also reveals consistent patterns in when deadly crashes occur. Fully 34% of fatal crashes happened between 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., the hours when commuter traffic, fatigue, and nightfall converge. Another 34% occurred most frequently on Fridays and Saturdays, pointing to the elevated risk that comes with weekend driving.
Safety officials say the 2025 decline is meaningful but not a signal to ease up.
“Everyone deserves to make it home,” OSHP has said in public messaging accompanying the data. Troopers continue to urge drivers to stay alert, avoid impaired driving, and eliminate distractions behind the wheel — particularly during the evening hours and heading into the weekend.
With 2026 now underway, the question is whether Ohio can build on last year’s progress and push that number lower still.
Data source: Ohio State Highway Patrol, 2021–2025 fatal crash statistics.