Top 10 Vehicles Involved in Fatal Crashes by Make in Ohio

In January of 2017, a fatal crash started with an argument between a pedestrian and a driver. Police in Brooklyn, OH, say that the driver of a PT Cruiser was distracted by her argument with the pedestrian when she pulled out into the path of an oncoming pickup truck.

This fatal accident could have been prevented, and a life could have been spared.

The truck struck both the PT Cruiser and the pedestrian. The driver of the PT Cruiser was killed, and the pedestrian was left in critical condition. The people in the pickup truck were treated at the scene and then released.

Fatal accidents can be split into two categories. 

With a sudden death fatal crash, the occupants of the car are pronounced dead at the scene. In the case of an eventual death fatal car accident, the death happens at a later time, but the cause is still injuries sustained in the accident.

If you would like to protect yourself in case of an accident, start comparison shopping today for better auto insurance by entering your ZIP code above!

Distracted Driving in Ohio

One out of ten fatal accidents in Ohio is caused by distracted driving. A distraction is anything that takes your eyes off the road, your mind away from the task, or your hands off the steering wheel.

While most people think of texting and driving when it comes to dangerous distractions, even daydreaming can be a grave danger. Common distractions include:

• Using the phone in any way, shape, or form
• Changing the radio station or adjusting other settings in the car
• Talking with passengers or arguing with people outside the car
• Unrestrained pets
• Children who are being loud or misbehaving
• Eating, drinking, grooming, and smoking
• Looking at accidents or the scenery
• Taking selfies

There are three different types of distractions that you should be aware of. When you understand how each distraction works, it will be easier to avoid them.

– Visual Distractions

These distractions divert your line of vision from traffic, and it can include anything from checking on a sleeping baby in the back seat to staring at an accident on the other side of the road.

In our modern society, using the cell phone is one of the most common visual distractions.

– Manual Distractions

Your hands should be on the wheel. Even if you’re driving with one hand for comfort, your other one should be empty and ready to help with steering in an emergency.

When you’re eating or drinking, you’re engaging in a manual distraction. Cell phone use also falls into this category, because you have to physically hold the phone.

– Cognitive Distractions

Cell phone use, conversations, and daydreaming are the activities that most commonly take your mind off the task and slow down your response times.

Distracted driving is on the rise in Ohio. Officers remind the public that if you’re distracted by something, then you’re not driving.

Accidents involving distracted drivers rose 11 percent between 2014 and 2015.

The leading cause of this phenomenon is cell phone use, including texting, using the internet or navigation, and making calls.

Top 10 Vehicles Involved in Fatal Crashes in Ohio

(Click here for interactive chart)

#10 – Jeep/ Kaiser-Jeep/ Willys-Jeep

Established: 1941
Vehicles Involved: 40

Jeeps were originally built for the Army. The original requirements were for a light reconnaissance car, and the first model had a four-wheel drive transfer case that gave the vehicles unrivaled, off-road capabilities.

Jeep continues to be a popular model today with several different models available. There is a distinct culture among many Jeep owners, and you’ll typically find that they love the outdoors and look forward to any adventure.

One important fact we don’t want to miss is that Jeep/Kaiser-Jeep/Willys-Jeep actually tied for tenth place with Buick/Opel.

Although, due to a little more digging and this being the Top 10 list and not the Top 11, we decided Jeep/Kaiser-Jeep/Willys-Jeep should be listed in the Top 10.

#9 – Chrysler

Established: 1925
Vehicles Involved: 42

Chrysler Company is currently headquartered in Auburn Hills, MI. The very first Chrysler car on the roads was a 6-cylinder that was aimed at delivering a superior car at a lower price.

The company is currently owned mainly by Fiat, and it’s currently the 12th largest auto manufacturer.

The Airflow was a revolutionary car introduced by Chrysler in 1936. It was aerodynamic with a large passenger compartment and a low, flat floor. At only $1,345, it was the lowest-priced car in its class that year.

#8 – Datsun/ Nissan

Established: 1933
Vehicles Involved: 44

While Ford started the assembly line in the United States, Datsun has this claim to fame in Japan. They made Japan’s equivalent of the Model T starting in 1934.

Datsun also made motorsports cars, and the company won their first race in 1936. They were also the first car manufacturer to sell sex by using attractive women in their ads.

Datsun changed their name to Nissan in 1986 to streamline the name and improve brand recognition on a global level. However, you can still buy a Datsun in India. The company designed and built rocket engines as well starting in the 1960s, but this division was sold in 2000.

#7 – GMC

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPoJPhf0_Xk

Established: 1912
Vehicles Involved: 44

Electric vehicles are growing in popularity today, but GMC was working on this concept long before anyone was talking about global warming. They offered electric trucks from 1912 to 1917.

They also produced roughly 584,000 military vehicles during World War II, including the amphibious Duck. People in the Middle East affectionately refer to GMC cars as Jims.

Domestic GM brands include:

• Buick
• Cadillac
• Chevrolet
• GMC

Discontinued lines include:

• Oldsmobile
• Pontiac
• Hummer
• Saturn
• Saab

#6 – Pontiac

Established: 1909
Vehicles Involved: 46

Pontiac was originally named Oakland, and the first Pontiac vehicle was released in 1926. It used lower-pressure tires for a smoother ride and a harmonic balancer on the crank to make the operation easier. They included a column shifter in 1938.

One of the most popular models was the Bonneville, introduced in 1957.

Other big hits included the GTO, Grand Prix, and Trans Am. The Trans Am sports car was used in the hit movie Smokey and the Bandit starring Burt Reynolds.

The division was closed down in 2009.

#5 – Toyota

Established: 1937
Vehicles Involved: 77

Toyota started out as Toyoda, but the name was changed after a Japanese contest provided the company with a great new logo that was visually appealing and instantly recognizable.

Toyotas are known for holding their resale value, and that makes it a popular brand with consumers.

It’s currently considered the leading green brand due to the steps it takes to reduce emissions and protect the environment. Toyota also holds the highest number of global patents.

#4 – Dodge

Established: 1900
Vehicles Involved: 104

Dodge is more than a car maker. They got into the business making parts for the Ford Motor Company as well as others. In the 1970s, they marketed their products as adult toys that were fun to drive.

In 2015, they put out the most powerful American production car to ever hit the road. The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat came with 707 horsepower along with a luxurious interior and a visually appealing exterior.

#3 – Honda

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaPXcND_IzM

Established: 1948
Vehicles Involved: 131

Honda may have come to the game more than 40 years after other manufacturers, but they’re currently the largest manufacturer in the world.

They produce more than 14 million combustion engines every year, and they’ve been the largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959.

They put out the first four-wheel drive with the Prelude, and they were the first ones to put the V-tech engine in a production car. In 1973, they came out with the Honda Civic in response to the global oil crisis, and it continues to be one of the most fuel-efficient cars in the world.

#2 – Ford

Established: 1903
Vehicles Involved: 215

The fifth largest manufacturing company is also the world’s largest family-owned business. Every CEO in the company has been a direct relative of Henry Ford.

This company started the first assembly line, and this method of production is currently in use by manufacturers across the globe.

In addition to manufacturing domestically, they’ve also had overseas manufacturing centers since 1911, starting with one in England. The oval blue Ford label was first used in 1907, and it’s now synonymous with the brand.

#1 – Chevrolet

Established: 1911
Vehicles Involved: 274

Manufacturing cars, trucks, and SUVs, Chevrolet has produced 24 models that defined the way we look at cars, including the stylish 1914 Roadster that was jaunty and contemporary.

The Suburban was introduced in 1936, and it continues to be one of the most popular SUVs on the road. In 1953, they let people feel the need for speed with the Corvette, a car that continues to delight drivers today.

Tips to Avoid Fatal Car Accidents in Ohio

Learn some key general safety tips so that you can travel in a safe manner and avoid accidents.

Whether you’re going a long distance or just around the corner, follow these patterns to keep danger away from you and your family.

– Stay Out of the Fast Lane

Research shows that most accidents occur in the fast lane.

The far right lane is typically ideal because you have the shoulder as an escape route. You’re also more conspicuous to police officers if you’re staying in the passing lane.

– Constantly Scan

Danger can come from any side, so your eyes should constantly be scanning both sides of your car and the mirrors.

Watch the traffic that’s ahead of the car right in front of you, and glance up at the horizon occasionally to see if you can spot any problems.

– Be Aware of Blind Spots

As cars become safer for occupants with strong safety cages, blind spots become worse.

Remember to look over your shoulder every time you change lanes, and keep an eye on any front blind spots when making turns.

– 9 and 3 O’Clock for a Reason

When you take driver’s education, they tell you to put your hands on the upper corners of the wheel.

This positioning provides you with maximum control of the car so that you can handle tight maneuvering and reduce your response time in an accident.

– Get a Little Closer

Rather than moving the seat back and stretching your legs out, bring it closer to the wheel for better control.

Your arms won’t get as fatigued, and you’ll find it easier to evade potential dangers.

– Maintain Your Car

A car that’s in disrepair can be a warning sign of an inattentive driver. However, what other people think isn’t the primary cause for keeping your car in good condition.

A car that needs repairs is more likely to break down, and that can lead to an accident if it happens in traffic.

You’ll find that your car responds better and handles better when it’s properly maintained.

— Specific for Ohio

Ohio is largely a rural area, and deer are common. Whether you’re driving in a city or out in the country, deer can cross the road in front of you at any time. Another hazard is leaf-strewn streets. Leaves are slippery when wet, so take care when driving in the fall.

It’s dark in Ohio by 5 pm in the winter, so take care with the evening rush hour. The sun setting just before can also lead to dangerous glares, so keep an extra pair of sunglasses in the car.

In the fall and winter, frost builds up on the windows overnight. Allow a few extra minutes in the mornings for the ice to thaw so that you can have maximum visibility.

Either way, the biggest safety tip is keeping tabs on your auto insurance and what your needs are.

By reviewing your policy every six months, you can ensure that it meets your needs from year to year. Compare three to four policies by using an online comparison tool. You’ll be able to look for better rates or a coverage plan that better suits your unique needs.

Want to get new and improved auto insurance today? Start comparison shopping by entering your ZIP code below!