According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, failing to yield caused more than 30,000 crashes in 2012, statewide and was the second highest crash-causing violation.

There were 424 in Lawrence County alone, which included motorists running red lights, stop signs or failing to yield to traffic.

That is why the OSHP is urging all motorists to take their time, ensure that cross traffic is stopped or clear and obey all traffic signs and signals.

In 2012, 37,475 crashes in Ohio were caused by a driver failing to yield, killing 187 people and injuring 23,353.

Young drivers, ages 16 through 25, were at fault in 30 percent of those crashes, nearly twice as high as those aged 26 through 35 with a 16-percent at fault rate.

“Drivers are urged to pay close attention to stop signs and signals when traversing Ohio’s roadways,” said Lt. Mike Gore, Ironton 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.

The patrol also asks drivers to call # 677 to report impaired drivers or drug activity.