Deadly Winter Driving

Ohio Among the Deadliest Winter States For Drivers

According to a new study in terms of total car accident fatalities, the most dangerous states are Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio and Illinois. These states account for about 36% of all winter driving deaths, according to Value Penguin’s “Deadliest States For Winter Driving” analysis. Over 5 years studied, there have been more than 170 fatalities reported in Ohio. In 2017, Ohio had the most winter driving fatal car accidents of any state.

Common Types of Winter Crashes

Snow and ice can magnify the damage a negligent driver can inflict because the slick surface increases speed and reduces vehicle control. Common types of wintertime crashes include:

- Rear-end accidents- A reckless driver is following too closely and is unable to stop in time to avoid a rear end collision with another vehicle.
- Intersection accidents- A driver who is going too fast or brakes too suddenly skids out of control on black ice into an intersection.

Head-on collision- An inattentive driver who makes a sudden maneuver to avoid road debris, snow, ice, or pedestrians can lose control of their vehicle and veer into the opposite lane. A car skidding sideways into the oncoming lane can also be impacted on the side resulting in a T-bone crash.

Even when the weather is bad, motorists still have a responsibility to adjust their driving for conditions. Those who fail to do so and injure others will be held accountable for their actions.

Dangerous Winter Crash Hotspots

While Ohio reports more wintertime driving deaths than most other states, some areas of the state are riskier than others. Here are the top 5 deadliest Ohio cities for winter driving;

Columbus – 7 winter driving fatalities, 2013-2017
Akron – 4 winter driving deaths
Youngstown – 4 deaths
Austintown – 2 deaths
Cambridge – 2 deaths

Meanwhile, the roadway with the most winter related fatal crashes over the last 5 years is I-71 which connects Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati. The roadways that have seen the most winter driving deaths.

I-71 – 7 winter driving related fatalities

I-70 – 6 deaths

I-80 – 6 deaths

CR-67 –3 deaths

I-76 – 3 deaths

Ohio reports a lot of winter car accident fatalities, but its fatal winter driving related crash rate is also among the highest in the nation. Here there are an average of 28.3 fatalities per 100 below freezing days The only states with higher fatality rates are Texas (48.8), Michigan (37), and Pennsylvania (34.2).

Common Injuries

Too often, bad winter car accidents end in serious injury or death. Common injuries sustained in winter weather crashes include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (Concussions)
Broken or fractured bones in legs, arms, chest and ribs
Whiplash
Spinal Cord Injuries
Musculoskeletal Damage (Soft tissue, muscle, tendon and ligament injuries)
Persistent pain in shoulders, back and neck
Damage to knees, hips and shoulder joints

To help prevent crashes through preparedness, the Ohio Department of Transportation launched OHGO. The interactive map communicates in real time when and where driving obstacles like crashes, construction and bad weather are affecting traffic.

Crash Victim’s Legal Rights

If you were injured or a loved one died in an accident, the experienced attorneys at Tompkins Selph & Associates are ready and able to begin working on your case as of today. Contact us today for a FREE confidential consultation and begin learning how we can help you in your legal journey. Call today at (614)-453-0971, or visit our office conveniently located 6047 Frantz Road, Suite 101 Dublin Ohio 43017.

Deadly Winter Driving

Deadly Winter Driving

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