MVRPC analyzes crash data to help improve transportation safety and inform the planning process. These analyses are the first steps toward understanding road safety conditions in the Dayton Region. A number of statistical and comparative analyses are performed on regional crash data, which is collected from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) in three-year intervals. The reports below outline crash trends and identify high-crash locations across roadways that may require further examination to determine the need for improvements.
Summary of Crashes (2021–2023)
Several important trends were revealed in the analysis of crashes occurring on the regional roadway network from 2021 to 2023. Annual crash totals have shown a positive downward trend, decreasing by 14% from 20,721 in 2019 to 17,679 in 2023.
View the Crash Data Report (PDF)
Key Crash Statistics & Findings
The data analysis focused exclusively on crashes reported on the Regional Roadway Network. Key findings include:
The Big Picture (2021–2023 Totals)
55,776 total crashes reported in the Miami Valley.
40,761 Property Damage Only (PDO) crashes.
14,753 injury-causing crashes.
1,325 serious injury crashes.
262 fatal crashes.
Frequency: On average, a crash occurred every 28 minutes, and a fatal crash occurred every 4 days.
Most Common Crash Types
Rear-end: 28% (most common crash type on the regional network)
Angle: 17%
Sideswipe / Passing: 16%
Fixed Object: 15%
Left Turn: 8%
Other: 11%
Primary Contributing Causes
Following too closely was the most frequently reported contributing cause, followed by Failure to Yield, Drove off Road, Improper Lane Change, and Ran Red Light.
Impairment & Demographics
Alcohol and Drug Involvement: Many serious crashes involved at least one person who was drinking or using drugs. Impairment was a factor in 61% of fatal crashes, 7% of injury crashes, and 4% of PDO crashes.
Age Factors: Youth drivers (ages 16–25) were most frequently involved in crashes.
Vulnerable Road Users: Bicycle and pedestrian crashes accounted for a small portion (1%) of total crashes but resulted in disproportionately severe outcomes, making up 8% of all serious crashes.
Regional Crash Rates
Average Rate: 2.24 crashes occurred for every Million Vehicle Miles Traveled (MMVT). (MMVT is a calculation of the total number of miles driven within a specific time period and geographic area).
County Breakdown: Montgomery County recorded the highest crash rate in the region.
Comparative Analysis: The Region's total crash rate (2.5) remained above both the National (1.9) and State (2.4) averages.
High-Crash Locations
In the SFY 2025 High-Crash Location Analysis, intersections and roadway segments were ranked based on the frequency and severity of crashes. These locations were categorized into low, medium, and high priority, identifying 163 intersections and 206 roadway segments of concern.
Document Downloads:
Priority Crash Locations Map (SFY 2025)
Pedestrian Crash Risk Assessment Study
A systemic safety analysis was commissioned by ODOT to identify crash risks for pedestrians at intersections and along roadway segments (arterials and collectors). The study utilized ODOT District 8 as a pilot—including Greene and Warren Counties in our Region—and later expanded to include Miami and Montgomery Counties in District 7 following discussions with ODOT’s safety program staff.
Using a comprehensive set of variables that impact pedestrian safety, risk factors were evaluated to establish a "Priority Network"—identifying locations where conditions present a heightened risk for pedestrian crashes. The analysis tested more than 400 attributes, including roadway characteristics (e.g., vehicle speed and traffic volume) and demographic factors (e.g., zero-car households and proximity to public facilities like libraries).
The final model established 15 key risk factors used to map the priority network across the urbanized transportation area, where the vast majority of pedestrian incidents occur. Locations were mapped based on an overrepresentation of these variables: the higher the concentration of risk factors, the greater the statistical risk for pedestrian crashes.
The priority network can be viewed on this map, the underlying data is available upon request.
Safety Resources & Assistance
Many programs and resources are available to communities in the Miami Valley to advance multi-modal roadway safety priorities. MVRPC maintains a compiled list of Safety Resources, which includes informational guides and funding programs dedicated to improving roadway safety through the three “Es”: Engineering, Education, and Enforcement.
Request More Information
To request additional safety information, custom analyses, or crash data specific to your municipality or area of interest, please contact Aaron Lee at 937-531-6539.
