One of the most common activities for Americans to suffer injuries from is through automotive accidents, especially in Ohio. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were a total of 1,179 traffic fatalities in Ohio in 2017, whether the driver was at fault or not. Additionally, the number of passenger vehicle occupant fatalities has been steadily climbing since 2013, culminating in 825 fatalities in 2017. In order for drivers and passengers to safely reach their destinations, it is important for all Ohioans to recognize the trending dangers and causes of vehicle accidents in the state.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol states that between January and July of 2019, highway patrol officers have performed more than 324,000 traffic enforcement stops as well as investigated more than 33,000 vehicle crashes. Their data shows that this is in line with the same time period as 2018, so there has been minimal increase or decrease in the figures. However, according to findings from U.S. News & World Report, Ohio ranks sixth in the nation for motor vehicle fatalities, so the roads can be more dangerous in the state than in others.
The causes of motor vehicle accidents can be hard to pin down, but lately, there have been increases in distracted driving due to drivers using mobile devices like cell phones and GPS systems. Additionally, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can lead to dangerous circumstances, not only for the driver but also other vehicles on the road. Reckless driving, like speeding or tailgating, can create hazards and heighten the chances of injury.