Ohio Traffic Deaths Rise in 2015

2015 saw an approximately 5% increase in Ohio traffic-related deaths over the previous year, according to the State Highway Patrol. The 1,057 confirmed traffic deaths in 2015 was up from 1,008 in 2014 and 990 in 2013. With 42 deaths still under review, the 2015 figure could rise to over 1,100 Ohio traffic deaths.

 What Are Some Common Factors in Ohio Traffic Crash Deaths?

• Failure to Wear a Seatbelt

The most common factor in Ohio traffic crash deaths this year appears to the failure to wear a seatbelt. According to a State Highway Patrol spokesman, “Roughly 60 percent of fatal crashes in Ohio in 2015 involved someone not wearing a seat belt.” While the dangers of not using a seatbelt are well-established, it is alarming that so many individuals fail to use this standard safety feature despite the potentially deadly consequences.

• Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol

Another common factor in Ohio traffic deaths was the involvement of alcohol or drugs. With approximately one in three fatal crashes involving someone driving under the influence, 2015 continued to prove that those who irresponsibly drink and drive pose an unacceptable risk to responsible drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

• Speeding and Distracted Driving

 Finally, as this blog has discussed previously, other the major causes of Ohio motor vehicle accidents include dangerous activities such as speeding and distracted driving. The statistics tying these types of negligence to car accidents is voluminous, and both will likely be linked to the rise in Ohio traffic crash deaths when the official 2015 traffic crash statistics are released later this year.

Contact an Ohio Accident Lawyer if You or a Loved One Were Injured in a Motor Vehicle Accident

Accidents involving a failure to wear a seatbelt, drunk driving, or distracted driving present complex legal issues that should be investigated and analyzed by an experienced Ohio accident lawyer. If you or a loved one suffer injury or death as the result of a negligent driver, do not seek compensation alone. Contact an Ohio accident lawyer at Lowe Scott Fisher Co., LPA.