Car accidents are not uncommon in and around Cleveland. Across the state last year, the number of fatal car crashes increased from the previous year. Statistics for Cuyahoga County mirrored statewide figures. At Paulozzi LPA Injury Lawyers, our dedicated and experienced team is ready to help anyone injured due to the careless and negligent actions of another driver. Here, our Cleveland car accident attorneys want to discuss the latest fatal crash statistics for our area.
The number of deaths on Ohio roadways rose again last year. 2019 was one of the most dangerous recent years in Ohio history for drivers and passengers.
As of the latest data available, there were 1,144 total fatalities on Ohio roads for 2019, a 7% increase from the previous year. The number of roadway fatalities in Cuyahoga County also rose, with 72 total deaths. That is an increase of 13 from the previous year.
Gov. Mike DeWine said that “With safer cars, we shouldn’t be seeing these numbers.”
2019 marked the second-highest number of fatalities in state history and was a long way from the 990 deaths in 2013, the year with one of the lowest fatality numbers in the state’s history.
Gov. DeWine places the increase in roadway fatalities on an increase in distracted driving. According to the state highway patrol, distracted driving has caused approximately 80,000 crashes in Ohio. Officials say that nearly 13,000 accidents in 2019 could be attributed to distracted driving incidents. The governor says that police officers should be able to stop drivers who are focused on their cell phones and not the roadway.
Right now, most police officers, including Highway Patrol officers, cannot stop distracted drivers who are over the age of 18 and charge them unless there is another violation such as speeding, weaving in traffic, or running a stop sign. Distracted driving is not a primary offense in this state.
The governor said he plans to deliver proposed legislation that would allow officers to stop drivers who are distracted behind the wheel.
Many municipalities across Ohio do have local laws that prohibit drivers from using their phones while operating their vehicles. However, this is a patchwork of laws and the governor believes that a statewide law would help cut down on fatalities and injuries on the roadways.
If you or somebody you care about has been injured due to the careless or negligent actions of a distracted driver, speak to an attorney immediately. At Paulozzi LPA Injury Lawyers, we have the experience you need to handle every aspect of a distracted driving accident case. Our team will investigate what happened and work to secure the following:
When you need a Cleveland car accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling us at 888-710-0040.
