OHIO VALLEY — Motorists running red lights, stop signs or failing to yield to traffic are causing far too many crashes in Ohio each year. In fact, these violations were the second-highest cause of fatal crashes in 2012. That is why the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is urging all motorists to take their time, ensure that cross traffic is stopped or clear and obey all traffic signs and signals.

Failure to yield violations can be deadly. In 2012, 37,475 crashes in Ohio were caused by a driver failing to yield — killing 187 people and injuring 23,353. Young drivers, age 16-25, were at-fault in 30 percent of these crashes. This is nearly twice as high as those aged 26-35 which accounted for 16 percent of those accidents.

“Drivers are urged to pay close attention to stop signs and signals when traversing Ohio’s roadways,” said Lt. Max Norris, Gallia/Meigs Post Commander. “They need to ensure the intersection is clear before entering it.”

Drivers can avoid failure to yield crashes by:

• Slowing down and taking their time

• Looking both ways before entering an intersection

• Signaling every turn and lane change

• Making a complete stop at stop lights and stop signs

• Yielding to other drivers and being courteous

To view the entire statistical analysis regarding failure to yield crashes and citations visit www.statepatrol.ohio.gov/doc/FTY_Bulletin_2013.pdf.

As always, the OSHP asks drivers to call # 677 to report impaired drivers or drug activity.