MOUNT VERNON — The Knox County Safe Communities Coalition reports one traffic crash fatality from Jan. 1 through March 31.

This compares to zero traffic crash fatalities in Knox County during the same months in 2024.

For 2025, Knox County experienced 169 crashes from Jan. 1 through March 31, resulting in one fatality thus far.  

“The crash statistics for this quarter indicate that 20% of drivers were speeding, 9% were not wearing a seatbelt, 5% of drivers were driving impaired with alcohol and drug, and 3% were distracted,” said Suzanne Dapprich, safe communities program coordinator at Knox Public Health.  

To support the yearly goal of reducing the number of traffic fatalities in the community, the Safe Communities Coalition conducts traffic safety media campaigns, coordinates events and activities, and distributes educational materials.

The coalition also focuses on educating Knox County’s driving population about impaired driving, seat belt use, distracted driving, and motorcycle awareness.  

Efforts of the Safe Communities Program are funded through a grant from the Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO).  For more information about OTSO and statewide efforts to improve safety on Ohio’s roadways, visit http://ohiohighwaysafetyoffice.ohio.gov/index.stm.

For more information or to get involved with the Knox County Safe Communities Coalition, contact Suzanne Dapprich at 740-392-2200 x 2225 or sdapprich@knoxhealth.com.