Columbus, OH – Ohio officials are sounding the alarm on motorcycle safety as warmer months usher in increased travel and elevated crash risks across the state.
According to data released by the Ohio State Highway Patrol on Friday, there have been 20,015 motorcycle-involved crashes in Ohio from 2020 to 2024, including 1,074 fatal incidents. The agency is urging riders to take extra precautions, especially during the busy summer season when traffic congestion and higher temperatures can lead to dangerous road conditions.
Crash breakdowns show that Cuyahoga County leads the state with 1,771 motorcycle crashes, followed by Franklin (1,623), Hamilton (1,201), Summit (931), and Lucas (868) counties. Combined, these five counties account for 32% of all distracted driving motorcycle crashes in Ohio.
Officials highlighted the importance of helmet use, visibility, and defensive driving, especially in dense urban areas. “Navigating through Ohio’s dynamic traffic on a motorcycle can be risky, particularly in summer,” the Patrol posted on social media. “Don’t compromise safety for thrill.”
The Patrol’s warning comes as part of a broader awareness campaign using hashtags like #PrioritizeSafety and #MotorcycleAwareness to engage communities across digital platforms.
The agency continues to advocate for motorcycle training courses, use of protective gear, and heightened awareness among all drivers to reduce fatalities and improve road safety across the Buckeye State.
As motorcycle traffic increases with the season, authorities emphasize mutual responsibility on the road to protect lives and reduce preventable crashes.
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