Columbus Driving Guide
Driving in Columbus demands extra caution—and knowing where the risks are. This guide highlights the city’s most crash-prone areas and congestion hot spots. If you were hurt in a Columbus car crash, the Gervelis Law Firm fights for fair compensation. Visit us at 1335 Dublin Rd., Suite 212D, Columbus, OH 43215 or call 614-656-3566.
Legally Reviewed by:
Mark S. Gervelis, Esq.
Last Updated:
- September 10, 2025
Driving in Columbus can be hectic—rush-hour congestion on the interstates, seemingly never-ending construction, and heavy foot traffic downtown. The good news? Staying safe on Columbus roads is easier than you might think.
What Makes Driving in Columbus Challenging?
Columbus, Ohio, is a growing city, with young suburbs full of commuters causing congested highways and on-ramps to I-70 and I-71. Once you’re in the heart of the city, driving in the Short North and near the Ohio State University means college students and more pedestrians.
When winter comes, Ohio driving can become unpredictable with freezing rain, black ice, and other weather conditions. The state requires drivers to be hands-free and prohibits cell phone use while driving, but as of August 2025, there have been 3,210 distracted driving violations in Franklin County.
Columbus is a popular city for many major sporting events, concerts, and conventions, attracting tourists unfamiliar with the area. This can lead to an increase in speeding or distracted drivers, as they focus their energy on GPS navigation rather than keeping their eyes on the road.
If you were in a car accident in Columbus, you deserve a team that will fight for you and prioritize your recovery. The Gervelis Law Firm has a long history of securing fair compensation for car accident victims. We provide aggressive, experienced, and effective legal representation to all of our clients while working tirelessly to earn your trust. Our team will keep you informed and handle every aspect of your case with care and integrity, making sure your needs always come first.
Columbus Accident Hotspots to Watch For
Columbus has several corridors, interchanges, and intersections with elevated crash frequency. Notable examples include:
- High Street in the stadium area and around campus due to traffic and pedestrians.
- High Street in the stadium area and around campus due to traffic and pedestrians.
- Construction on I-70 and I-71 can also spike congestion and crash risk; check current work zones before you go.
According to a study by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, some of the highest-crash intersections in Columbus from 2015-2017 are:
- Cleveland Avenue at Morse Road, where 265 crashes, one fatality, and one serious injury occurred.
- Cleveland Avenue at Dublin Grandville Road/State Route 161, where 213 crashes and three serious injuries occurred.
- Brice Road at Scarborough Boulevard/Tussing Road, where 193 crashes, one fatality, and one serious injury occurred.
- East Livingston Avenue at Hamilton Road/State Route 317, where one fatality and three serious injuries have occurred.
- Dublin Granville Road and State Route 161 at Maple Canyon Drive, where 157 crashes and five serious injuries have occurred.
- Morse Road at Westerville Road/State Route 3, where 176 crashes and four serious injuries have occurred.
Important Columbus and Ohio Driving Laws
In Columbus, many new neighborhoods feature roundabouts, which facilitate traffic flow. Vehicles go through a roundabout counterclockwise, and entering traffic gives the right of way to circulating traffic.
Again, you cannot use your cellphone while driving and must be hands-free.
If driving in a school zone, you must drive at 20 mph while the lights are flashing. You should also be aware of traffic cameras for speeding or running red lights, which are legal in Ohio but under certain restrictions.
At red lights, you can turn right if the light is red unless there is a sign specifically saying you cannot, according to Ohio traffic laws.
You must move over to the next lane if a vehicle is pulled over with its flashers on any Ohio highway. For example, if you’re on a freeway with three lanes, and on the right side next to the right lane, a vehicle is disabled, you and traffic should move to the left and middle lane approaching the vehicle until you pass it. You should also pull over for any emergency vehicles. If you can’t safely move over, you must slow down and proceed with caution.
Helpful Resources for Columbus Drivers
Download the OHgo app for real-time traffic updates and personalized route notifications, and view live traffic cameras for accurate delay times.
Find your closest BMV office to update your license, or visit one of the four offices of Franklin County’s Clerk of Courts for automotive titles.
If you’re ready to learn to drive as a teen or an adult, you can take a course through the Columbus Driving Academy.
If you are in a car accident in Columbus, you should call the police and get medical attention as soon as possible.
- Columbus Police Department: The Columbus Police will respond to your car accident and can provide you with a copy of your accident report through the department.
- OhioHealth Grant Medical Center: This medical center provides emergency services and is located downtown. It is the only adult hospital downtown and offers full medical services.
- The Ohio State University Hospital Emergency Department: The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and its hospitals are top-rated. The emergency department is one of just two adult Level 1 Trauma Centers in central Ohio and serves as the region’s only verified adult burn center.
- AAA-Approved Repairs: Find a trusted auto repair facility through AAA, which has a list of approved repair shops in Columbus.
Trusted Legal Help for Columbus Accident Victims
Trying to recover after a car accident can be difficult, especially if you’ve received an injury. Costs can add up quickly, and without a law firm fighting for you, these payouts can take far longer. With Gervelis Law Firm, we will investigate the cause of your accident and identify everyone involved, as we have done for hundreds of clients before. Our clients trust us, and we’ve delivered.
We will tirelessly fight to get you the maximum compensation available for medical bills, pain, and other damages. We will communicate with insurance companies and help you find the right medical treatment. We work on contingency, and won’t expect you to pay anything until you win.
Let us be here when you need someone the most. Contact Gervelis Law today for aggressive, experienced, and effective legal representation after your car accident.
Contact Gervelis Law Firm Today If You’ve Been in an Accident in Columbus
Always check your blind spots on the highway, and if you’re downtown, double-check for pedestrians, especially when turning. Safe driving is crucial to avoid accidents, but that’s not always possible.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Columbus, contact Gervelis Law Firm today or call (866) 792-2728 for a free consultation. Prefer to meet in person? Visit us at 1335 Dublin Rd., Suite 212D, Columbus, OH 43215. We will always keep you informed every step of the way—that’s the Gervelis Guarantee.