Ohio Governor Denounces July as Deadliest on Ohio Highways

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine recently called on the Ohio General Assembly to pass a bill that would increase the criminal penalties to drivers who use electronic devices and text while driving. In July 2020 alone, 154 people were killed on highways in Ohio, making it the deadliest month for auto accidents in over a decade. Early in the pandemic during the month of April, Ohio saw a reduction of 13% in traffic fatalities compared to 2019 which was the second lowest month in 13 years.

Car accidents and fatal crashes increased significantly as Ohio began to open up with high speed being a contributing factor. In fact, there was a 61% increase in citations issued for drivers exceeding 100 miles per hour on Ohio’s highways compared to the same time period a year ago. The number of pedestrian fatalities was up by 113% and the number of fatalities and motorcycle accidents was up by 52% compared to 2019.

According to federal research, 94% of serious car accidents are caused entirely by driver error. Given the fact that most people deny being distracted while driving, the statistics could be even higher.

Senate Bill 285: Primary vs. Secondary Violation

Ohio’s governor has called on the Ohio General Assembly to pass Senate Bill 285 which would increase the penalty for texting while driving or using electronic devices. The bill is aimed to save lives and attempts to amend the current law which is a secondary offense to make driving while using electronic wireless communication devices a primary offense.

Under the current law, an officer cannot pull a driver over for suspected use of electronic devices without witnessing another offense or violation such as an illegal lane change or failure to stop. Under the current secondary law, it makes it difficult for law enforcement officers to get control of the problem. 

Ohio Auto Accident Attorney

If you have been injured in a car accident on Ohio highways, you need an experienced auto accident attorney who understands Ohio traffic laws. Schiff & Associates is experienced in Ohio traffic laws and has been representing victims of car accidents since 1982. 

Schiff & Associates is respected as a top car accident attorney in Ohio, with experience in auto accident claims, personal injury, wrongful death and more. We have helped more than 50,000 Ohioans to get the settlement they deserve. Contact us if you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident in Ohio. 

Source: https://www.cleveland.com/open/2020/09/gov-mike-dewine-decries-deadly-july-on-ohio-highways-pushes-lawmakers-to-pass-distracted-driving-bill.html

Ohio Traffic Laws and Distracted Driving Task Force Findings

Ohio traffic law makes it illegal for drivers 18 years old and younger to use any electronic devices for any reason when driving. For these young drivers, this is considered a primary offense which means the police can stop a young driver for violation without having another reason to pull them over. The only exceptions to using an electronic device are emergency calls or using a preprogrammed GPS. 

Penalties for young drivers include a $150 fine and a 60 day suspension for the first violation and a one-year suspension with a $300 fine for a second violation.

For drivers over the age of 18, however, the current law is considered secondary which means an officer has to have another reason to pull a driver over, such as a lane violation or failing to stop, with a maximum penalty of $150. 

Although the current laws are well-intentioned, they appear insufficient to reduce car accidents and change driver behavior. Multiple laws are confusing to enforce and a secondary law enforcement is less effective. 

In addition to the confusion with enforcing primary or secondary violations, drivers who violate distracted driving laws often refuse to admit guilt. This can make it difficult to prove without the assistance of an experienced auto accident or personal injury lawyer.

Car Accident Attorney in Ohio

If you have been injured in a car accident on Ohio roads, and you feel it was due to a distracted driver, you need an experienced car accident attorney in Ohio. Distracted driving is 100% preventable. Consult with an experienced auto accident attorney who understands current Ohio traffic laws.

Schiff & Associates has been representing car accident victims with extensive knowledge of Ohio traffic laws since 1982. We fight for your rights and the settlement that you deserve with experience in car accidents, personal injury and wrongful death cases. If you have been injured in a car accident, contact us to speak with Ohio’s top car accident attorney.

Ohio Governor Created Distracted Driving Advisory Council

The Governor of Ohio, Mike DeWine, announced the creation of a Distracted Driving Advisory Council in April of 2019. The new, permanent advisory council will be tasked with developing long-standing plans to alter the culture regarding distracted driving in Ohio and follows the release of a report by the Ohio Distracted Driving Task Force. The task force was developed in 2018 by the Ohio Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), to investigate the scope of the problem of distracted driving on Ohio’s roads and make suggestions for improvement.

The Distracted Driving Task Force released a detailed report with key findings, statistics, contributing factors to the problem of distracted driving, and a review of current Ohio traffic laws. One key finding states that at the time of the report in 2019, Ohio had experienced an increase in car accidents and fatalities four consecutive years since 2013. Additionally, car accidents in Ohio have increased by 7% and traffic fatalities increased by 17% in the same time period. 

Contributing Factors for Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a big problem in Ohio, with the use of smartphones believed to be a contributing factor. Young drivers between the age of 16 and 20 had the highest number of car accidents in Ohio due to distracted driving, followed by people in the age range of 21 to 25. Additional key findings in the report conclude that:

• Technology causes Ohioans to become more distracted behind the wheel

• Smartphones and mobile phones are more dangerous than other distractions

• Drivers continue to look at devices when driving because they are addictive

• Distracted driving impacts car insurance rates

• Tough laws and enforcement are required to change driver behavior

If you have been injured in a car accident in Ohio due to distracted driving, you need an experienced car accident attorney who understands current Ohio traffic laws.

Schiff & Associates is experienced in representing victims of automobile accidents, personal injury and wrongful death cases. We have helped people in Ohio since 1982 with a team of experienced attorneys, investigators and medical experts. Contact us today to speak with Ohio’s top car accident attorney.

Source: https://governor.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/governor/media/news-and-media/042519

Injured by a Distracted Driver?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, 2,841 people were killed in 2018 alone due to car accidents stemming from distracted drivers. 52 of those killed by distracted drivers were residents of Ohio. Every death caused by distracted driving is preventable. 

Using a cell phone while driving is one of the biggest culprits of distracted driving, along with anything else that takes your eyes and mind off the road, even for a split second. Distracted driving diverts attention away from driving, and when traveling at 55 mph, you will travel the length of a football field in less than 5 seconds. 

Consider closing your eyes for 5 seconds while driving, that is the danger of distracted driving which can be caused by many factors including:

• Talking or texting while driving

• Eating or drinking

• Talking to other vehicle passengers

• Adjusting the radio or entertainment system

• Using GPS navigation systems while driving

Any activity that is not related to driving is a potential distraction that increases your risk of an automobile accident. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Ohio caused by distracted driving, you should speak with an car accident attorney in Ohio with experience in distracted driving cases. 

Ohio Car Accident Lawyers Experienced in Distracted Driving

Schiff & Associates is an experienced law firm in Ohio with over 35 years of experience. Our car accident attorneys have seen every possible scenario and know how to handle your case to get you the settlement that you deserve. Distracted driving is 100% preventable and no one should lose their life or suffer serious, life-changing injuries due to distracted driving.

Serious car accidents can leave life-altering injuries such as spinal cord or soft-tissue injuries that may impact your quality of life. Schiff & Associates has experience with car accidents and personal injury law. Oftentimes, the guilty party will deny being distracted. We know what to look for to prove fault and have a team of investigators with experience who will fight for your rights. 

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident in Ohio, call on Schiff & Associates to protect your rights and get you the maximum settlement that you deserve. 

Schiff & Associates provides experienced legal representation to victims of car accidents, personal injury and wrongful death with over 35 years of experience. We understand that your financial recovery is just as important as your physical recovery and have a successful record of getting the settlements our clients deserve. Contact us to speak with one of the top car accident attorneys in Ohio.