This is three times as many fatal crashes as were reported this time last year, according to patrol statistics.
Harold Price was driving southeast toward his home at 6:23 p.m. Wednesday on Ohio 123, east of Interstate 71, when he went left of center to pass another motorist, according to Lt. Chuck O’Bryon, commander of the highway patrol’s Lebanon post.
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Before completing the pass and reentering his lane of travel, Price’s 2005 Buick Lacrosse crashed head-on into a 2007 Honda Accord driven by Seth L. Thesken, 25, of Blanchester.
Thesken was treated and released from Atrium Medical Center.
Price was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, south of Ohio 350, near Waynesville Road.
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On Feb. 13, Thomas D. Williamitis, 16, of Oregonia, died in a head-on crash after crossing the center line on Ohio 48, north of Ohio 73 in Clearcreek Twp. A driver in another car in the crash, Terry Vanderberg, 47, of Centerville was treated for life-threatening injuries after being transported by helicopter to Miami Valley Hospital.
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On Feb. 14, Fred Carmack Jr., 74, of Morrow, was traveling northwest on Ohio 123 when his car was struck by one driven by Danny Hiler, 71, of Georgetown, that ran a stop sign while traveling northeast on Ohio 132 in Harlan Twp., according to OSP. No charges have been filed.
Hiler was treated for series injuries at Bethesda North Hospital. Carmack was pronounced dead at Bethesda Arrow Springs.
While ahead of last year’s tally, O’Bryon said 2017’s second fatal crash occurred on March 2.
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On Thursday, O’Bryon pointed to distracted and aggressive driving as factors that could help explain the deadly crashes.
“Have patience. Be patient. Slow down a little bit,” he said. “It’s better to be five minutes late than not get there at all.”
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