There’s some good news coming out of Ohio’s road safety numbers, and one hard truth that hasn’t changed much at all. For the fourth year in a row, traffic deaths in Ohio went down. Preliminary data from the Ohio State Highway Patrol shows 1,125 people were killed in crashes in 2025, about 3% fewer than the year before. Since 2022, that adds up to 231 lives saved.

But when investigators looked closer, one detail kept showing up again and again: seatbelts.

Nearly 62% of people killed in crashes between 2021 and 2025 weren’t wearing a seatbelt, even though one was available. That’s nearly 2,500 deaths tied to a decision made in seconds, or not made at all.

“Oftentimes, fatal crashes are preventable,” said Col. Charles Jones of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. “Some of these people would very likely still be here today had they buckled up.”

The overall trend is moving in the right direction, and state leaders say that’s thanks to a mix of safer road designs, tougher distracted-driving laws, and better driver training, especially for teens. Ohio’s Highway Safety Improvement Program is now the largest in the country per capita.

Still, officials say no amount of infrastructure or enforcement can replace what drivers do for themselves.

Gov. Mike DeWine acknowledged the progress but cautioned against complacency. While fewer people are dying, the total is still far too high.

Other factors continue to show up in fatal crashes, including driving off the roadway, speeding, failing to yield, and distracted driving. But seatbelt use remains one of the simplest, and most effective, ways to survive a crash.

As Ohio roads become safer overall, safety officials say the message is straightforward: buckling up is still one of the easiest ways to make sure you make it home.