Safe Communities issues call to action after fatal Wayne County crash

Safe Communities of Wayne County, a coalition led by the Wayne County Health Department, is issuing a call to action for all motorists following a fatal two-vehicle crash on state Route 241.

While the Ohio State Highway Patrol reports both drivers involved in the Feb. 6 incident were wearing seat belts, overall data for 2026 indicates risky driving habits remain a critical threat to public safety. As of early February, Wayne County has seen 236 total crashes and three fatalities.

“Every fatal crash is a tragedy that impacts our entire community,” said Hope Griffin, Safe Communities coordinator for the Wayne County Health Department. “While we are seeing fewer total crashes than this time last year, the increase in fatalities is a sobering reminder that we must stay focused on the Big Five factors that lead to serious injuries: seat-belt usage, distracted driving, impaired driving, failure to yield and speeding.”

Wayne County 2026 year-to-date statistics:

—59 crashes related to speeding.

—44 crashes related to failure to yield.

—15 crashes related to no seat belt restraints used.

—11 crashes related to distracted driving.

—Five crashes related to impaired driving.

The Safe Communities Coalition works year round to reduce these numbers through data-driven education and awareness campaigns like “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” The coalition reminds all drivers that more than 90% of crashes are caused by human error and are therefore preventable.

For more information on traffic safety initiatives or to join the Safe Communities Coalition, call or email Griffin at 330-264-9590 or hgriffin@wayne-health.org.

Efforts of the Safe Communities program are funded through a grant from the Ohio Traffic Safety Office. For more information about OTSO and statewide efforts to improve safety on Ohio’s roadways, visit otso.ohio.gov/.