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