A board certified Civil Trial Lawyer with almost five decades of experience in Ohio Personal Injury Law.
Car accidents happen on roads of every size, whether they are busy or not. However, highways do tend to produce a lot of accidents because of the number of cars in close proximity to each other and the higher overall travel speed compared to smaller roads. Every year, there are many car accidents at the I-70 and I-71 interchange in Columbus.
If you are a Columbus-area resident, it is a good idea to educate yourself about this interchange and why it is the scene of so many crashes.
The I-70 and I-71 Interstate Highways Near Columbus
Interstate 70 and Interstate 71 intersect in Columbus. Interstate 70 is a major highway that runs east to west across the United States, beginning in Utah and ending in Maryland. Interstate 71 is also a major thoroughfare, but it runs north to south across the country, from Cleveland, Ohio, to Louisville, Kentucky. Both of these roadways serve as conductors between states, but they also accommodate the morning commute for many Columbus-area residents.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Interstates 71 and 70 are the second and third most dangerous roadways in the state, respectively, in terms of sheer number of crashes. In 2025, there were 5,290 accidents reported on I-71, and 3,382 accidents reported on I-70. Of the crashes reported on I-71 for that year, 870 took place in Franklin County, in the immediate area of Columbus. Of the I-70 crashes, 945 were in Franklin County.
Factors That Contribute to Highway Crashes
A wide range of factors can contribute to highway car accidents, and these high-speed roadways pose unique risks compared to smaller roads with less traffic. The following are a few major causes of highway car accidents:
- Improper merging: Major interstates like I-70 and I-71 usually have multiple lanes going in the same direction, and drivers must merge between lanes. Merging is a common context for collisions when drivers are distracted or fail to check their blind spots.
This is especially applicable around highway interchanges like I-70 and I-71 in Columbus. In these interchange areas, many drivers must merge in both directions at the same time, creating ideal collision conditions.
- Road conditions: Columbus experiences very cold and icy winters. Ice on the interstate reduces friction between tires and the road, which can easily cause spin-outs and collisions.
- Weather: Rain, snow, and fog can reduce visibility and distract drivers, leading to more accidents during these weather conditions.
- Distracted driving: The risks associated with distracted driving cannot be overstated. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,208 Americans were killed in 2024 as a direct result of distracted driving. People traveling on the interstate during their morning commutes often try to do other activities, such as eating, putting on makeup, and texting. These distractions lead to accidents.
- Speeding: Speed limits on interstates are generally much higher than those on surface streets, and drivers often still exceed them. Speeding is a common contributory factor in highway car accidents. Speeding makes it more difficult to maintain control of a vehicle while navigating turns, and also makes it more difficult for drivers to stop in time if the vehicles in front of them slow down.
What to Do if You Are Involved in an Accident at the I-70 and I-71 Interchange in Columbus
If you are involved in a car accident at the interchange between Interstates 70 and 71 in Columbus, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself and make it easier to obtain compensation for any injuries. Here are the steps you should take:
- Call 911: The first step after an accident is to report the collision to the authorities by calling 911. Police and an ambulance should arrive soon after your call. It is important to get a full medical evaluation, even if it does not immediately seem like you have any serious injuries.
- Exchange insurance information: If it is safe for you to do so, exchange insurance information with the other driver so you can file a claim with their insurance company.
- Get witness contacts: If you can get out of your vehicle safely, and there are other drivers who stopped because they saw the accident, it is a good idea to get their names and contact information.
FAQs
What Is the Most Common Crash Type at an Interstate Interchange Like I-70 and I-71?
The most common crash type at an interstate interchange is a side swipe. This is a crash in which both vehicles are traveling in the same direction and collide with each other on the sides. This kind of crash is a frequent occurrence during merging on a highway, and interchanges involve cars merging in different directions at the same time, often while traveling at different speeds.
If an Accident Involves Two Drivers Merging Into Each Other, Can Either of Them Claim Damages?
Yes, if a car accident involves two drivers merging into each other at the same time, and both drivers are found to be liable for the crash, that does not prevent either of them from claiming damages if they are injured. According to Ohio’s comparative negligence law, a person can pursue compensation for a crash even if they are partially liable, as long as they are not more liable than the defendant in their claim.
Are Interstate Interchanges More Dangerous During Snowy Weather?
Yes, interstate interchanges become much more dangerous during snowy conditions. Because highways are so constantly traveled, many interstates remain fairly safe in the snow because the heat from all of the cars keeps the surface of the road warm enough to melt snow. However, interchanges are more dangerous because fewer cars pass over them than the interstates themselves and because the interchange speed limits are usually significantly slower.
Why Is It Important to Call the Police to Report an Accident on the I-70 and I-71 Interchange?
If you are in an accident on the I-70 and I-71 interchange in Columbus, it is important to call the police to report the crash because a thorough police report could help you secure any compensation you need, and it could help protect you from claims made by the other driver. Police reports contain crucial information about car accidents that can be used to support insurance and personal injury claims.
Need Representation? Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
At Gervelis Law Firm, we have over fifty years of experience advocating for Columbus-area clients, and our founding attorney, Mark S. Gervelis, has the distinction of being a Board-Certified Civil Trial Lawyer. Contact us today to discuss your needs.
