There has been a severe drug epidemic in the state of Ohio within the past year. Last year alone there were 3,050 deaths due to heroin overdose.
As this drug epidemic continues to hold a grip on Ohio, the number of drugged driving incidents rises as well.
There have been 3,574 drugged driving accidents in 2016 so far in the state of Ohio. This accounts for 33% of impaired driving accidents!
The Ohio State Highway Patrol states that the number of drugged driving activity has increased an overall 25% since 2012. Illegal drugs play a large role in this, but statistics show prescription drugs are just as much a suspect in these numbers.
Both OSHP and ODOT (Ohio Department of Transportation) are working together to address this dangerous crisis on our roads, but it will take more than state and local authorities to fight the rise of drugged driving.
Young adults are impressionable; it is significant that parents start the conversation at home about the dangers of impaired driving before their children even get behind the wheel.
It is not enough to rely solely on authoritative officials to educate drivers. It all starts at home with the parents or guardians. Here are several tips for parents in dealing with the rise in drugged driving:
- Talk to your children about the dangers and consequences of using drugs or alcohol, especially while behind the wheel.
- Enroll your child in driving school and any other informative courses you feel necessary. The more your young driver learns before getting on the road, the better.
- Be strict on car rules and nighttime driving—although drugged drivers may be impaired at various times of the day, nighttime is a high-risk time to be on the road. Even as a seasoned driver, you should always be cautious when driving late at night.
- If you know of someone struggling with drug addiction, seek help through various Ohio rehabilitation sources or call the hotline for immediate help.
Impaired driving is one of the top causes in motor vehicle accidents. Though numbers may be high, it is an issue that people can change by educating one person at a time.
If you or a loved one was seriously hurt by an impaired driver, you need to call me immediately and get the help necessary to fight for justice. As your Ohio car accident attorney, I’ll be there for you, and I will 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 1 (800) 556-4769.
