Drivers in Ohio are undoubtedly aware of the risks they face when driving. However, the numbers regarding how many people were killed in a car accident in 2015 are concerning. As the year drew to a close, law enforcement stepped up its efforts to prevent any more holiday crashes from contributing to the growing number of deaths. That, however, does not change the number of people who already died in crashes during the year, nor can it stop most accidents from happening.
In 2015, there were 1,111 fatal accidents in Ohio until December 29. That is the highest amount of people who died in an auto accident in three years when, in 2012, 1,122 died. Law enforcement took steps to look for drivers who were under the influence or were operating their vehicles unsafely in an effort to ensure safer roads. The tactics began in the summer as the statistics became clear that there were more deaths on the road.
Other issues that are a growing concern are drivers who are using their cellphones while driving and failing to put on their safety belts. Driving under the influence remains the biggest worry for law enforcement. In 2014, there were 628 arrests for intoxicated driving in the week between Christmas and the start of the new year. During that time, there were 23 accidents and 24 people were killed in those accidents. Nine of the accidents were linked to drivers being under the influence with ten people dying.
Considering the dangers of being in a car accident when on the road and the increasing ways in which drivers can either be under the influence or distracted, it is no surprise that there are accidents with catastrophic injuries and fatalities. Those who have been injured or lost a loved one in car accidents should speak to a legal professional experienced in pursuing compensation through a legal filing to consider their options.
Source: mydaytondailynews.com, “Ohio traffic fatalities rise,” Rick McCrabb and Lauren Pack, Dec. 30, 2015
