The roads of Ohio are largely safe for travelers and commuters, who enjoy the long and straight expanses of roads across the rural parts of the state and efficient highways near its cities. However, a recent upswing in traffic deaths gives drivers and traffic enforcement officers pause to consider the causes.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating trends in fatal accidents across the state as the year comes to a close. At least 1,000 traffic casualties occurred in three of the last five years up to 2016, according to the patrol’s estimations.

Fatalities are up in both the Buckeye State overall and several key counties, including Washington County in the southeast part of the state. A sergeant with the highway patrol reported that he had seen more fatal crashes in the county this year than in his entire career of 16 years previous.

The patrol’s analysis of accidents that cost at least one life shows that excessive speed and failure to use a seat belt are two of the main factors in highway deaths. Driving under the influence of alcohol is another cause of lethal traffic incidents.

Victims of motor vehicle collisions with cars, bicycles or pedestrians — or the survivors of those killed in these accidents — have the right to seek restitution for medical expenses, lost wages and other costs.

A legal representative may be an efficient part of helping victims and their families being made whole after an unfortunate accident. Citizens of Ohio and visitors to the state deserve this security.

Source: The Parkersburg News and Sentinel, “Ohio State Highway Patrol eyes trends in fatal crashes,” Erin O’Neill, Dec. 04, 2017