A recent study analyzing car accident data and crash rates across the United States has revealed alarming statistics about dangerous drivers in Ohio.
According to the study conducted by Insurify, Ohio has been ranked as the 3rd most dangerous state due to accident-prone drivers, just behind South Carolina and Massachusetts.
This ranking is cause for concern, as it indicates a significant concentration of car accidents and highlights the need for increased road safety. The study found that more than 11.4% of Ohio drivers say they were at fault in a traffic accident within the last seven years.
Common causes of Ohio car accidents
To combat the prevalence of car accidents in Ohio, it is essential to understand the primary causes and contributing factors. Here are the leading factors involved in Ohio 2022 car accidents:
Failure to yield
When a driver does not give the appropriate right-of-way to other vehicles or pedestrians, often at intersections, it may result in a collision. Failure to yield was a variable in more than 37,500 Ohio crashes in 2022.
Teen drivers
Young drivers are involved in a higher number of accidents due to factors like inexperience and immaturity. The state reported almost 35,400 teen-related accidents last year.
Speeding
Driving at excessive speeds reduces a driver's ability to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions, resulting in more severe accidents. Speed-related incidents were a factor in thousands of crashes in Ohio last year.
Animals
Ohio's abundant wildlife, including deer populations, poses a significant risk to motorists. In 2022, deer were involved in over 19,900 traffic accidents.
Large trucks
Ohio's highways see a lot of commercial trucks, which, due to their size and weight, pose a higher risk of accidents. There were about 17,000 commercial and large truck accidents in Ohio last year.
Stop-sign and red-light runners
Drivers who disregard traffic signals and proceed through red lights risk collisions with crossing traffic, pedestrians, and others, often resulting in high-speed side-impact crashes and severe injuries.
Driving under the influence, OVI
Operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol impairs judgment and reaction times, contributing to a significant number of accidents.
Distracted drivers
In addition to texting or otherwise using cellphones and smartphones, types of distracted driving include adjusting the radio, talking to passengers, eating, self-grooming, and using navigation systems.
Ohio's crash hotspots
Certain regions in Ohio are more prone to accidents than others. The cities of Akron, Barberton, Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Lancaster, Sandusky, Toledo, Warren, and Youngstown were primarily affected by the crashes.
In 2022, car accidents were also concentrated in the following places:
- Highways - Especially I-75, I-71, I-70, and US-20.
- Cuyahoga County - About 10% of the fatal car accidents in Ohio occur here.
- Cuyahoga, Franklin, Montgomery, Lucas, and Trumbull counties are among those where the fatal crash rate is growing fastest.
- Noble County, with a population of around 14,000, had the highest crash fatality rate in 2021, with 35.27 deaths per 100,000 people. That year had an unusually high number of deadly accidents for the small area - 5.
Our attorneys fight for accident victims in Ohio
At Gervelis Law Firm, we have a reputation for aggressive and dedicated legal representation. Our experienced car accident lawyers fight tirelessly to secure justice and compensation for Ohio crash victims. With a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding car accidents, we are committed to advocating for the rights of those affected by the negligent actions of others.
Our attorneys have a proven track record of success, and we strive to obtain the best possible outcome for each case we handle. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Ohio, don't hesitate to contact us today for a free case consultation.