This guide is designed to help you understand the steps to take in the hours and days following a car accident. If you have any questions not covered by the guide, please don’t hesitate to contact us right away.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a decrease in the number of cars on the road. However, dangerous driving has remained a concern in Ohio. From 2019 to 2020, there was an increase in the number of people driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol or operating a vehicle while impaired (OVI).
2020 Rise in OVI Accident Cases
According to state statistics, overall traffic volume in Ohio decreased by 15 percent from 2019 to 2020. However, the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) reported 637 deadly OVI car accidents in 2020, compared to 529 deadly OVI car crashes in 2019. Stark County experienced 31 fatal car accidents in 2020, with 19 being drug/alcohol-related.
Unfortunately, Summit County also experienced an uptick in OVI crashes. The county had 28 fatal accidents in 2020, increasing from 10 in 2019. The statistics have revealed an uncomfortable increase in impaired driving accidents, even with the decrease in traffic volume.
How Ohio is Managing the Increase of OVI Accidents
The reason for the increase in impaired driving accidents is unknown. Many law enforcement officers believe it could be due to people struggling during the pandemic.
The OSHP works to decrease the number of impaired drivers on state roads by educating the public through numerous resources of the dangers and effects of being impaired while driving. OSHP has created a number, #677, that residents can call when they spot a vehicle that may be operated by an impaired driver. The Ohio State Highway Patrol has also created an OVI Dashboard, which was created to show the statistics and dangers of impaired driving. State law enforcement has also been stricter on traffic violations, giving an increasing number of citations for illegal or suspicious driving activity.
Contact an OVI Accident Attorney Today
The pandemic has been difficult for everyone, but driving safely should always be a top priority. An OVI accident can cause serious injuries and property damage.
If you or a loved one has been in a car accident with a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced attorneys at Tittle & Perlmuter are here to help you get the resources you need to recover. Call today for a consultation.