Feds See Rise in Ohio Crash Deaths

Federal safety regulators say Ohio had one of the biggest increases in crash deaths last year and was one of 16 states that saw more fatalities related to drunk driving.

A new report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says Ohio had 58 more deaths from vehicle accidents in 2010, for an increase of 5.7 percent compared to 2009. Deaths involving alcohol went up 4.9 percent.

Nationwide, overall fatalities fell 2.9 percent while drunk-driving deaths dropped 4.9 percent in 2010.

Alcohol-related traffic deaths in Ohio represented 32 percent of all fatalities, versus 31 percent nationwide.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol said that Ohio has seen a 4 percent decline in crash deaths so far this year, including a nearly 5 percent dip in fatalities related to impaired driving.