In 2021, Ohio was ranked as the sixth-highest state with the most fatal crashes in the United States. That year, Ohio had 1,242 fatal crashes, with 1,354 fatalities. In 2018, most automotive crashes resulted from reckless driving, with about 1,383 crashes caused by distracted drivers.
The vast road network system poses both opportunities and challenges in the state. Ohio has over 7,000 miles of road on its eight major highways, meaning that the state has the fourth-largest interstate highway system in the U.S. Additionally, in 2021, Ohio was among the top 10 states with the highest annual VMT (Vehicle Miles Traveled) (112,923,000,000).
The extensive infrastructure and evidence of increasing traffic volume have raised concerns about road safety and fatal accidents.
The extensive infrastructure and evidence of increasing traffic volume have raised concerns about road safety and fatal accidents.
Some stretches of road in Ohio have a reputation for crashes and fatalities. Here are the top five notorious roads that are considered the most dangerous in the state:
As one of the busiest interstate roads in the U.S., I-75 is among the country's top five most dangerous highways. The average accident rate is 47.2 accidents every 100 miles.
Ohio has proper procedures to protect lives and legal rights if individuals are involved in a car collision. These are some of the steps to follow after an accident:
Drivers should find a safe way to move the car from traffic and onto a safe spot. Moving the vehicle prevents blocking traffic, especially on a busy highway, which might also lead to other accidents.
Ohio laws require the driver of a motor vehicle to remain at the scene after an accident. Failure to comply will lead to prosecution.
Afterwards, drivers should turn on their hazard lights and put up safety cones at a safe distance from the car, alerting other drivers of the danger ahead.
Drivers are encouraged to check pedestrians, passengers, and others involved in the accident for injuries. If anyone is seriously injured, they should not be moved. Instead, individuals should call a medical emergency team immediately.
In case of injury, individuals should call 911 and request law enforcement and medical assistance. The state does not require drivers to report accidents to the police. However, if the accident results in injury, death, or property damage above $100, the accident must be reported within 48 hours.
Motor vehicle drivers can only leave the scene after providing their name, address, vehicle registration, and insurance details. Additionally, if the driver does not own the car, they should provide the name and address of the owner. If the collision is with an unoccupied car or motor vehicle, drivers must leave their information, in writing, in or on the other damaged vehicle. The state requires drivers to give out their information during an accident, regardless of severity.
Drivers should take photos of the collision. Photos can help determine the cause of the accident or note other pre-existing damage on the vehicle. They may also take witness accounts.
Drivers should immediately notify their insurance company and file a claim. Getting an attorney to ensure drivers' and other road users' rights are not violated is also recommended.
Individuals should always keep a record of the vehicle crash. The most important documents include the crash report, insurance information, and the police statement.
Ohio has strict and comprehensive regulations governing motor vehicle driving and operations. These regulations are essential in protecting the safety and well-being of road users. These laws and facts include:
Seat Belt LawsDrivers and front-seat passengers must always wear seat belts in the car.
Children under eight must be properly secured in a booster or safety seat.
Children between the ages of eight and 15 who cannot fit into a car seat must wear a seat belt.
Teen Driving LawsTeenagers are allowed to drive when they are 15 years and six months old. To get a license, they must complete 50 hours of total driving time, with at least 10 hours of supervision when driving at night.
Teenagers must hold a temporary driving permit for at least six months before getting a probationary license.
Drivers aged 16 are not allowed to use any electronic devices while driving. Additionally, they are restricted from driving between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m.
Car InsuranceIt is illegal to drive a car in the state without insurance.
Individuals must provide proof of a driver’s insurance policy when stopped by law enforcement, during a vehicle inspection, in case of an accident, or at a traffic court appearance.
Driving Under InfluenceOhio state prohibits driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Drivers aged 21 or older will get a DUI charge when their Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is .08% or higher.
Commercial drivers will get a DUI charge if they have a BAC above .04%.
Drivers under 21 will get a DUI charge if they have a BAC above .02%.
Move Over LawsDrivers must move to an adjacent lane and or slow down when approaching a stopped road service car, emergency vehicle, police car, highway maintenance vehicle, waste collection car, or public utility vehicle when they activate warning lights.
Drivers should always slow down and yield way or change lanes if an authorized vehicle is approaching.
Hand Off LawUnless the car is parked or stopped, using or holding a phone or other handheld electronic devices in your hands, lap, or other parts of the body while driving is illegal.
Drivers over 18 can receive or make calls via hands-free devices like a wireless headset, speakerphone, or smartwatch or by connecting their phones to vehicles.
Drivers should only use a device if it requires a single touch or swipe while driving.
Riding Outside the VehicleThe state prohibits individuals from riding or hanging outside moving cars.
Drivers are prohibited from carrying anyone under 16 in an unroofed or open cargo bed if the car is traveling faster than 25 mph.
Using HeadlightsBesides using headlights between sunset and sunrise, drivers should use them during snowy, foggy, rainy, or other unfavorable conditions that lower visibility.
Though some traffic laws in the state are standard, other Ohio regulations may seem bizarre. These uncommon traffic laws include: