Nearly one in five pedestrian-related crashes reported across Ohio so far in 2026 occurred in Franklin County, according to Ohio State Highway Patrol data cited by 10TV during National Pedestrian Safety Month.

The OSHP reported more than 1,800 pedestrian-related crashes statewide so far in 2026, with close to 20% in Franklin County, 10TV first reported. The county includes Upper Arlington, Grandview Heights and Marble Cliff.

That share has held steady. In 2025, more than 2,600 pedestrian crashes occurred statewide, with Franklin County again above 20%, and 2024 figures were similar, according to OSHP data.

Since 2021, 14,391 crashes involving pedestrians have occurred across Ohio, resulting in 862 pedestrian deaths, Spectrum News reported. Franklin, Cuyahoga and Hamilton counties have consistently led the state over that span.

The numbers hit close to home. A pedestrian was fatally struck by two vehicles in a hit-and-run on Cleveland Avenue at East 16th Avenue in north Columbus just before 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, according to 10TV. Columbus police said they are searching for the drivers of a white SUV and a pickup truck towing a trailer.

The Ohio Department of Transportation has identified a clear high-risk window: pedestrian crashes peak on Fridays between 6 and 8 p.m., according to ODOT safety data.

Upper Arlington has taken its own steps. The city converted the intersection of Zollinger Road at North Star Road to an all-way stop on Aug. 5, with new sidewalk, crosswalk and other safety improvements also underway, according to the City of Upper Arlington.

James Thornton, a Columbus pastor who promotes crosswalk safety to families, told 10TV that awareness is the starting point. "Safety, as far as walking and bicycling and stuff like that is a big issue in this area," Thornton said.

Gov. Mike DeWine said in an OSHP pedestrian-safety announcement that drivers should follow speed limits and watch for pedestrians, while walkers and cyclists also bear responsibility to obey traffic laws. OSHP Superintendent Col. Charles A. Jones said in the same statement that a single moment of inattention by either a driver or a pedestrian can have serious consequences.

OSHP is urging drivers to avoid distractions, yield to pedestrians entering the roadway, follow posted speed limits and use headlights when needed. Pedestrians should stay visible, walk on sidewalks, cross at designated points and put away phones.

Residents who see reckless or impaired driving can report it by calling #677, according to OSHP. The pedestrian safety campaign runs through the end of October.