Updated November 19 with new graphic

By Paula Pyzik Scott
Iconoclast View

The Ada Icon and other regional news outlets have recently had a flurry of reports on fatal and injury traffic crashes. Ran red light/stop sign has been cited as a variable in several crashes. These incidents make me sad, scared and angry–feelings that are shared by many who are commenting on social media about the crashes and seeking ways to prevent injuries and fatalities.

Can anything be done? Online comments indicate that requests for flashing stop signs at intersections near Ada have been denied. Rumble strips and speed bumps were also mentioned in social media comments.

In my limited experience researching traffic controls, statistics are king. If the traffic or crash count for a location isn't judged statistically significant, you don’t get the traffic signal or flashing stop sign you are requesting.

However, having fewer vehicles on rural roads does not make them safer. A July 2024 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) study of 2022 data shows that an estimated 20 percent of the U.S. population lived in rural areas. An estimated 41 percent of traffic fatalities occurred in rural areas. During the study period, fatal crashes were:

• 64% roadway departures
• 28% speed related
• 51% unrestrained passengers

Failure to yield statistics were not provided in this study cited at https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813599

The Federal Highway Administration reported that in 2022 over one-quarter of traffic fatalities involved unsignalized intersections in a study cited at https://highways.dot.gov/safety/intersection-safety/about)

In my limited experience, finding the agency that will help address the problem can be like a game of hot potato. While the Hardin County Sheriff’s office, the Ada Police Department and The Ohio State Highway Patrol respond to crashes and provide crash data, their input in decisions about traffic controls is limited.

Hardin County and Allen County Engineers are responsible for some routes while the Ohio Department of Transportation District 1 is responsible for others.

 I know I’ll be driving more cautiously on 2-lane roads that speed drivers from one community to another. I'll be scanning the area for cars approaching on my left and right. And I’ll be ready to provide feedback to local authorities about intersections where I feel added safety measures are needed.

ODOT Region 1 - Lima Chris Hughes, P.E., District Deputy Director Feedback form 1885 N. McCullough St. Lima, OH 45801 419-222-9055

Hardin County Engineer Lucas J. Underwood, P.E., P.S. http://co.hardin.oh.us/engineers/contact.php 1040 W. Franklin Street Kenton, Ohio 43326 419-674-2222

Allen County Engineer Brion E. Rhodes, P.E.,P.S. https://allencountyohengineer.com/aceo-staff-directory/ 1501 North Sugar Street Lima, Ohio 45801 419-996-7104