A Look into Ohio Alcohol-Related Car Accidents
Alcohol consumption is widely accepted in a variety of social and professional settings. We have everything from restaurants to sporting events, networking soirees and parties serving cocktails morning, noon and night. Many argue that buzzed driving is drunk driving and champion other anti-alcohol campaigns. Large highway billboards are purchased to warn us of the potential of devastating consequences, yet we continue to have higher rates of alcohol related accidents in Ohio when compared to the national average.
Have we finally reached the point that 0.00 is the necessary legal limit?
Even with the prolific growth of ride sharing like Uber and Lyft, we still have an epidemic of deadly alcohol related driving in Ohio and across the US.
- 12,072 alcohol-related traffic accidents in 2016
- 12,526 alcohol-related traffic accidents in 2015
A 4% decline from 2015 to 2016 is promising, but we have far to go and more than 1,000 accidents a month to prevent.
Alcohol on our Roadways
Driving down the highway in the wee hours of the morning, we may be more alert and even anticipate encountering an impaired driver. What happens when you are driving on a Tuesday at lunchtime, and get slammed by a drunk or buzzed driver? Alcohol related car accidents aren’t on a time clock – and your safety is always at risk.
Even when we do encounter a driver that we deem to be an immediate danger – Try calling 1800-grab-DUI and see how easy it is to report an impaired driver! After jumping through the proverbial hoops and reaching the correct city, properly and safely providing direction is nearly impossible.
Safety in Numbers
It all comes down to accountability for ourselves, for those we love, for the establishments we frequent, and for safety responders and our laws.
In addition to holding those accountable with higher standards and harsher punishments, truly gaining justice for the victims of alcohol related accidents and changing society as a whole, may be the ONLY way to change the pattern.
If you suspect someone is impaired and behind the wheel,
- Safely call 911 or 1800-Grab-DUI
- Stay a safe distance behind the driver
- In the event of an incident or accident, remain calm and stay near for emergency responders and police, your statement could be the difference in justice being served
If you or someone you love was involved in an alcohol related accident, call my offices immediately. As your Ohio car accident attorney, I’ll be there for you, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Author: Tim Misny | For over four decades, personal injury lawyer Tim Misny has represented the injured victim in in birth injury, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injury/wrongful death cases, serving Cleveland, Akron/Canton, Columbus, Dayton and neighboring communities. You can reach Tim by email at misnylaw.com/ask-tim-a-question/ or call at 877.944.4373.