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Traffic crashes on the Greater Akron area’s roadways, intersections and freeways continued to decline between 2007 and 2009, according to the latest three-year analysis compiled by AMATS.

The agency bases its analysis on nearly 59,000 crash records from the Ohio Department of Public Safety.  AMATS identifies and ranks high-crash roadways, intersections and freeways by a composite score based on number of crashes, crash rate and severity.

Between 2002 and 2004, the area recorded more than 68,200 crashes.  Since that time, area crashes have dropped by 16 percent to nearly 59,000.  Every three-year analysis conducted by AMATS since 2002 has recorded declines in crashes – the most recent analysis shows a 4 percent decline from the 2006-2008 analysis.  Interestingly, the rate of decline appears to have accelerated in the last several years, according to AMATS Engineer Dave Pulay.

“We suspect that’s due to a combination of factors.  People are driving less because of the sour economy, which has also led to a drop in vehicle miles traveled,” Pulay continues, “A number of significant safety improvements have also been completed in recent years.  Improvements in vehicle safety have also contributed to the decrease in injuries and fatalities.”

The 2007-2009 analysis identifies high-crash roadway sections, high-crash intersections and high-crash freeway locations in the Greater Akron area.  As the agency responsible for transportation planning in the area, AMATS uses this information to identify and plan for safety improvements throughout the region.

Among the analysis’ findings are that:

• Most crashes occur in the winter months of January, February and December while the most fatalities occur in the summer months of July and August.

• Portage County is home to the highest ranked high-crash roadway section located on state Route 44, between Tallmadge Road and Interstate 76, and the highest ranked high-crash intersection at state Route 14/44 and state Route 88 (North Freedom Street).

• Deaths from motorcycle accidents accounted for 13 percent of area traffic fatalities between 2007 and 2009.

• Large truck-related fatalities accounted for 7 percent of area traffic fatalities during the period.

To view the full report click here.

For more information, please call AMATS at 330-375-2436.