Most Ohio drivers strive to be careful and responsible while on the road to ensure safety. Unfortunately, the Ohio Turnpike is known to be more dangerous than other areas. These are some statistics and proposals to make it safer for everyone.
The dangers of the Ohio Turnpike
According to state statistics, the Ohio Turnpike saw over 11,000 car accidents during the period 2018 through 2022. During that time, over 2,150 people suffered catastrophic injuries and 48 were killed. Nearly 350 of those accidents were caused by distracted driving, while approximately 4,000 occurred due to speeding and reckless driving.
The 100 deadliest days of summer, which spans from Memorial Day through Labor Day, is even more dangerous for those traveling the Ohio Turnpike. More people are free, some drink and then get behind the wheel and others often fail to wear their seatbelts. During this time in 2022, there were over 370 car accidents resulting in the deaths of more than 400 people.
Plans to implement safety measures
In 2023, the Ohio Turnpike Infrastructure Commission and the Ohio State Highway Patrol announced plans to improve safety on the Ohio Turnpike. The group also aims to show drivers how important it is to obey all traffic laws. Aerial enforcement will be used and special zones developed to curb the problem of distracted driving. The group also plans to have more law enforcement patrolling work zones to keep road workers safe.
While the group’s ultimate goal is to enforce safer behaviors on the road, it can’t control each driver’s actions. Distracted driving is one of the biggest reasons why deadly accidents occur and people are left to deal with catastrophic injuries.
You can do your part to stay safe by putting away your cell phone and avoiding other distractions while staying focused on the road. Defensive driving techniques can also help.