We know that the roadways in Ohio are dangerous during the winter. Sleet, ice, and snow can make it almost impossible to get good visibility and traction when getting to work or taking the kids to school. According to a recent study, the summer months are likely just as dangerous. The mix of college kids coming home for the summer, family road trips, and gatherings like barbeques that often include alcohol combine for an equally dangerous set of circumstances.
Since both seasons pose dangers, it can be beneficial for drivers to know which roads are the most dangerous. Drivers can then operate on these roads with extra care or avoid them when possible. According to researchers who recently dove into the issue, I-75 had the most fatalities compared to any other roadway in Ohio.
How can I stay safe when driving in Ohio?
As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. It is helpful to make sure your vehicle is in good working order to reduce the risk of a crash. Check that the tires have good tread and sufficient air pressure, that your lights are all working and that brakes are in good condition. Change out wiper blades when needed and schedule regular maintenance appointments.
It is also helpful to support community efforts to increase the safety of Ohio’s roadways. In a recent example, community members came out to support the anniversary of the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) and Ohio Department of Transportation’s distracted driving corridor.
This corridor included increased enforcement efforts and educational signage along a 20 mile stretch of I-75. Within this corridor, the OSHP issued almost 40 distracted driving citations and made more than 3,000 enforcement stops. The signs call out the dangers of distracted driving and encourage drivers to pay attention to the road. These efforts paid off. Accidents within the corridor from August of 2020 through July of 2021 decreased by over 40% compared to statistics from the same time period during 2018 and 2019.
What if I am injured in a car crash?
Even when we do our best to stay safe, accidents can happen. This is particularly frustrating if you suspect the other driver caused the accident. In these situations, you can likely hold that driver accountable for the financial costs that result from the crash. This can include the expenses for emergency care directly following the accident as well as additional medical care, rehabilitative expenses and missed work.
