In 2012, more than 37,000 accidents in Ohio were caused by a driver failing to yield, according to information from the State Highway Patrol.
To help lower that statistic in 2013, the State Patrol is offering tips to help drivers avoid those crashes.
Sgt. Angel Burgos of the Fremont Post said growing technology has caused drivers to become more distracted, leading to a higher rate of crashes. He said with his 14 years of experience, he has noticed a recent increase in failure to yield crashes in the area.
"Most of the time it's (drivers) just not paying attention," Burgos said. "We have a lot of distracted drivers."
According to a release from the State Patrol, running red lights, stop sign violations and failure to yield to traffic make up the violations that were the second-highest cause of fatal crashes last year.
Young drivers, ages 16 to 25 were at fault in 30 percent of the crashes, while drivers ages 26 to 35 made up 16 percent of the accidents. In the 37,475 crashes statewide, 187 people were killed and 23,353 people were injured, according to the release.
Burgos said to help avoid crashes, drivers should turn off any devices that may be distracting and should wait to answer a cell phone until they have pulled off of the roadway.
Other tips for drivers from the State Patrol include:
Slowing down and taking their time
Looking both ways before entering an intersection
Signaling every turn and lane change
Making complete stop at stop lights and stop signs
Yielding to other drivers and being courteous
