10/23/2015 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – The Licking County Safe Communities Coalition reports six fatal motor vehicle crashes in Licking County from July 1 – Sept. 30 (the third quarter). The Licking County Health Department’s Safe Communities Coalition provides this quarterly traffic fatality update to the county.

The purpose of the quarterly fatality update is to keep the public informed on what common driving behaviors cause fatal crashes in the county. It is the coalition’s mission to educate the public about the consequences of dangerous driving behaviors such as drinking and driving, reckless driving, texting and driving, not wearing a seat belt, and not wearing a helmet when operating a motorcycle.

Of the six reported fatal crashes during the third quarter, two involved drivers who were not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash; two involved motorcycles; one involved a bicyclist; and another involved a pedestrian. During the same time frame in 2014, there were three reported fatal crashes.

Year to date, there have been 16 fatalities resulting from 14 crashes reported in Licking County. Compared to this same time in 2014, there were 15 fatalities from 13 crashes. Seat belts and impaired driving still continue to be issues in Licking County.

Of the 14 fatal motor vehicle crashes this year four have been confirmed to be alcohol and/or drug-related, and additional crashes are under investigation. Out of nine of the fatal crashes this year, eight individuals where a seat belt was available were not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

According to a survey by Miami University following this year’s Click It or Ticket National Campaign, Licking County’s average seat belt usage rate is 87.6 percent. This survey was captured at five locations in Licking County. Last year, from the same survey, Licking County’s usage rate was 92.2 percent. Seeing a decrease in this rate and an increase in fatalities indicates there is room for improvement.

Based on county data, the Safe Communities Coalition and local law enforcement will continue efforts to decrease fatalities by reminding everyone to buckle up, every trip, every time and to always drive sober. For more information on traffic safety issues and crash data in Licking County visit the Ohio State Highway Patrol website. To review the map of fatal crashes in Licking County from 2013 – 2015, click here.