A Columbus car accident lawyer discusses the dangers
The Ohio section of I-71 has one of the highest fatal drunk driving accident rates in the U.S.
Almost 40% of all fatal car accidents on this stretch of highway involved alcohol, according to a new survey of 2019 crash data.
That's almost 35 deadly wrecks.
I-71 cuts northeast to southwest across the state and is part of The Outerbelt as well as downtown along the Innerbelt in Columbus. The highway travels through the state capitol as well as Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Mansfield. It's too early to tell what impact the South Side Mega Fix may have on fatal accidents.
Operating a vehicle impaired (OVI) often leads to a violent motor vehicle crash. People who drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (or other mind-altering substances) often do not follow traffic laws and frequently speed. Couple that with the decrease in motor skills and reaction time inebriation can bring, and it creates a greater risk for serious injuries or death in an accident.
Ohio DUI enforcement
Drunk driving is a bigger problem in Montgomery County when compared to some other corners of the state. More than half of all crashes in the county involve impaired drivers, according to the Ohio Highway State Patrol. In a recent Dayton Daily News article, police say many of the county's impaired accidents happen in Dayton. They suspect it's due to the city's high population and concentration of bars.
The city's assistant police commander says law enforcement cannot "arrest their way out of the problem" and more public education is needed about the long-term consequences of impaired driving.
Meanwhile, Montgomery County won a nearly $250,000 grant to help law enforcement prevent impaired driving. The Ohio State Highway Police (OSHP) recently coordinated with Indiana and Pennsylvania state police to crack down on highway impaired driving, speeding, and lack of seatbelt use. During the weekend-long campaign, police issued almost 300 speeding citations and nabbed five people for suspected OVI.
Help for Ohio crash victims
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident involving negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses (accident-related expenses). Depending on the specific details of your case, you may be able to recover the cost of your medical bills (including the cost of long-term care), lost wages, your pain and suffering, and any other applicable damages.
The key is to contact an attorney as soon as possible to get a clear understanding of your legal rights and options.
At Smith Law Office, we know how to hold negligent drivers accountable and build strong cases that get results for our clients. We have decades of experience representing accident victims in Columbus and throughout Central Ohio, and as your attorney, we can aggressively advocate for your best interests and fight for every dollar you deserve.
See how an experienced Columbus car accident lawyer can help you and contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Our offices are located in Columbus on Horizons Drive and East Gay Street.
