As in nearly every other state, distracted driving continues to be a significant safety hazard here in Ohio. And summer is often an especially dangerous time for distracted driving. Perhaps it is fitting, then, that the Ohio State Highway Patrol is partnering with local law enforcement to set up what are known as “distracted driving safety corridors” at strategic locations throughout the state.
These designated zones have signs warning drivers that police will be strictly enforcing traffic safety laws, particularly those against distracted driving and speeding. The locations for these corridors are usually chosen because they are heavily traveled and are hot spots for dangerous driving behaviors.
This week, a safety corridor was enacted along I-77 in Canton. Earlier this summer, a 12-mile corridor was set up in Fairfield County along U.S. 33 bypass. According to a news article, that stretch of road was the site of about 400 crashes between 2016 and 2018, 10 percent of which were attributed to distracted driving.
Increased enforcement alone isn’t enough to stop distracted driving, but it does help. At one corridor first established in 2018, annual crashes dropped from an average of 63 to just 44 in 2019. Hopefully, law enforcement will see similar results in other locations.
It’s important to remember that distracted driving is any behavior that takes your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel or your mind off the task of driving. Texting involves all three types of distraction, making it especially dangerous.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured (or worse) by a negligent distracted driver, you have the right to pursue full and fair compensation from the at-fault party. To learn more about your rights and legal options, contact our firm today.