As the freezing temperatures continue across the state and affects driving conditions, Ohio drivers should remember to drive extra carefully to avoid car crashes. Icy roads and low visibility come hand in hand with freezing temperatures and can be two facts that cause serious, or even fatal, car accidents. Perhaps they played a role in a series of crashes on the Ohio Turnpike that involved 33 cars, all on the same day.
More than 10 truck accidents a day across the country
Though car accidents are highlighted frequently in the media, Ohio residents may be surprised to hear that, on average, there are 11 truck accidents across the country in a single day. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, almost 4,000 people die annually in fatal truck accidents. In addition to this, more than 100,000 people sustain injuries in those incidents. Unfortunately, the number has only been increasing since 2009 as an improving economy sends more trucks shipping goods from one state to another.
Involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist?
In Ohio, it is against the law to drive without proof of insurance or financial responsibility. However, did you know that almost 14 percent of Ohio motorists are uninsured? According to the Dayton Business Journal, the Buckeye State is the 20th riskiest state in which to drive.
One dead in fatal truck accident in Ohio
The year has just begun, but an Ohio county has already seen eight traffic fatalities so far. Winter has been especially harsh this time around, and adverse weather conditions do contribute to car accidents. However, the cause behind the fatal accident that claimed the eighth life this year is unknown.
Proving negligence in an accident
Victims of a car accident in Ohio or their loved ones may have heard the term "negligence" thrown about with respect to their crash. While individuals may understand that negligence has something to do with holding the other party responsible, they may not fully grasp what the legal term means. Negligence is a legal term that refers to any careless behavior that either causes or contributes to an accident. If a car accident occurs because someone failed to stop at a red light, then that person was probably negligent for violating a traffic law and causing the accident.