Unfortunately, like the rest of the country, traffic fatalities are a common occurrence in Ohio. However, there is some good news. The number of Ohio traffic fatalities have decreased slightly from 2017 to 2018.
If you recently lost a loved one in a fatal car accident that the resulted due to another party’s negligence, it is in your best interest to contact the highly skilled Ohio car accident lawyers at Kisling, Nestico & Redick. We will investigate your case, inform you of your legal options, and help you recover the compensation that may be vital to rebuilding your life.
Call us at 1-800-HURT-NOW today to set up a free, no-risk consultation.
2018 Traffic Fatalities in Ohio
QuoteWizard, an insurance comparison website ranked Ohio as the 8th most dangerous state to drive in. Despite this ranking, traffic fatalities went down from 2017 to 2018.
- According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, there were 1,179 traffic fatalities in Ohio in 2017 and 1,072 in 2018, resulting in a nine percent decrease.
- At the start of 2018, Ohio was on pace to have a higher number of deaths than 2017. However, in the summer, traffic fatalities began to dip. During August to December, there was a drastic decrease in car accident deaths across the Buckeye State.
- In 2017, 405 of these fatalities had to do with operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs (OVI). 375 of traffic fatalities were related to OVIs in 2018.
- In 2017 and 2018, 56 percent of individuals who lost their lives in traffic crashes were not wearing seatbelts.
How to Reduce the Risk of Traffic Fatalities in Ohio
Although it’s reassuring to know that traffic fatalities in Ohio have decreased, there is always room for improvement. Here are some ways you can protect yourself and other drivers and reduce traffic fatalities in Ohio even further.
- Avoid distracted driving: Texting, brushing your hair, eating, and fumbling with the radio are all examples of distracted driving. Be sure to avoid these behaviors at all times and always keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
- Learn how to drive in inclement weather conditions: Ohio winters can be brutal for driving. Therefore, it’s important to get comfortable with driving in the snow. Slow down, increase your following distance, and stay home when it’s too dangerous to get behind the wheel.
- Refrain from drinking and driving: After a day or night of drinking, it is your responsibility to find a sober ride home. If you can’t get a friend or family member to drive you, invest in Uber or another ride-sharing or taxi service.
- Follow speed limits: Speeding can make it difficult for you to react in time to prevent a crash. That’s why, it’s essential to adhere to all speed limits and drive slower when there is construction or poor weather.
- Do not drive aggressively: Speeding, swerving in and out of lanes, and abruptly changing lanes are all aggressive driving behaviors that should be avoided at all costs.
- Be extra cautious when sharing the road with trucks: Due to their size and speed, truck accidents can be incredibly devastating. Avoiding abrupt stops, changing lanes safely, knowing where truck blind spots are, and passing with caution are all ways to practice defensive driving around commercial trucks.
Contact Kisling, Nestico & Redick
If your loved one has been wrongfully killed in a car accident, reach out to the experienced fatal car accident lawyers with KNR right away. We may be able to help you recover compensation for funeral costs, loss of companionship, emotional distress, and other damages.
Call us at 1-800-HURT-NOW today for a free, no-risk consultation.
