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MARIETTA — The Washington County Health Department held its Traffic Fatality Review meeting Thursday which revealed the year’s data with thousands of accidents in 2025 in Ohio.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the Ohio Department of Transportation, the Washington County Health Department, Ohio State University Extension Office, the Washington County Coroner’s Office, Ohio Traffic Safety Office, Motorcycle Ohio, and local law enforcement.

During the meeting, representatives analyzed traffic-related fatalities and discussed preventive strategies.

According to the 2025 report, there were 44,490 unbelted crashes statewide with 4,328 of those accidents being related to teens.

Representatives in the meeting also discussed the reported 72 unbelted crashes in Washington and Morgan counties. Of those crashes, 32 were involving teenagers either in the car or as the driver.

“These numbers reinforce the fact that many serious injuries and fatalities are preventable,” said Safe Communities Coordinator Amanda Lemaster.

A report from the health department advised drivers and passengers to stay vigilant while driving, especially during the holiday season when travel increases.

“Wearing a seat belt remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the risk of death or serious injury in a crash,” said Lemaster.

The Washington County Safe Communities Coalition encourages “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” The coalition’s goal is to reduce the amount of traffic-related motor vehicle deaths in the county. They do this by raising awareness for motorcycle safety, seatbelt usage and reducing distracted driving.

Amber Phipps can be reached at aphipp@newsandsentinel.com