Crash Related Deaths are down in Ohio

 The 2015 traffic death statistics are in and reports show the total number of fatal crashes has dropped.

The Muskingum County Safe Communities Coalition reports that for the months of October, November and December of last year there was one traffic death in Muskingum County and 10 total-traffic related deaths for all of 2015. That number is down from 13 deaths in 2014.

"Obviously we’re looking to push that trend as much as we can reduce those numbers, of course the number we’re really look for is zero but, we know that’s probably an impossible number to get to but, the more we can drive that down the better. Ever life we save is better," said Lt. Matt Boyd.

Lt. Boyd said there were 139 statewide fatal crashes year-to-date in 2015 and 87 this year. Which is a 37% decrease. Boyd said, last year in Muskingum county 55% of accidents were alcohol or drug related.

"No one ever plans to go out and get involved an accident. Even if you weren’t planning on consuming alcohol and you go to a friends house and you don’t have someone to drive or you weren’t planning on staying there. It’s just not worth taking the chance of getting behind the wheel, make some other sort of arrangements," Boyd said.

Lieutenant Matt Boyd also sends a reminder to always buckle up before you drive-off because it can save a life.