Driving in a Winter Wonderland

Last week, we kicked off the month of December by explaining some of the benefits of Ohio’s new car insurance liability limits. While talking about car accidents around the holidays may seem out of place, recent statistics show that, for Ohio and Cleveland residents, this is exactly when the topic is most relevant.  This is because last year more accidents occurred in December than in any other month.

According to the Ohio Department of Public Safety, 28,404 crashes occurred in Ohio in December 2012.  This was the only month in 2012 to eclipse 28,000 crashes.  And January 2012 saw a total of 26,781 crashes throughout the state, coming in as the third most dangerous driving month of the year.  The Christmas and New Year’s holidays alone combined for a total of 5,147 crashes.

The statistics for the holiday season are not all doom and gloom, though.  While total accidents were more frequent around the holidays, December and January saw the two lowest numbers of fatal car accidents.  Still, any automobile accident can be dangerous, and during this time of year drivers should take every precaution to ensure the safety of themselves, their passengers, and other drivers on the road.

At our firm, we frequently help individuals who have been rear-ended by other drivers.  Rear end collisions occur even in the best of conditions; adding icy roads and snow-covered windshields to the equation only increases the chances that personal injury or property damage will occur.  Remember to always clear any snow from the windshield, roof, and hood of your vehicle prior to driving, and keep a safe distance between your car and the car ahead of you.  You may not always see that patch of snow or ice, so be sure to drive cautiously and wear your safety belt at all times.

Unfortunately, even though you have prepared yourself for winter driving conditions, not everyone will.  Since you cannot prepare those other drivers for the road, prepare yourself to deal with them by checking out our Post-Accident Action Plan.

If you or a loved one have been injured in an auto accident, please call the experienced Ohio auto accident attorneys at Lowe Scott Fisher Co., LPA for a free consultation.

Source: OHIO Traffic Crash Facts 01/01/2012 to 12/31/2012