Cincinnati Personal Injury Law Blog

When you get behind the wheel of a car to drive, you reasonably expect that you'll safely reach your destination. There is always a certain amount of risk involved in any type of travel, even as a pedestrian. However, if you adhere to Ohio traffic laws and safety regulations, you improve your own safety and the safety of those who share the roads you travel. Then again, you can't control another person's behavior, which means your risk for injury increases if a reckless or negligent driver is nearby.

Even a minor car accident can result in injuries that have long-lasting consequences. Physical pain and discomfort are definitely not the only damages suffered by most accident victims. Your injuries in a car accident may necessitate taking time off work, which can lead to employment problems, as well as economic distress. There are numerous injuries that frequently occur in vehicular collisions. It is a good idea to document any symptoms you have and to seek medical attention, as needed.

Data regarding whether cellphones were a factor in motor vehicle accidents may be improved in Ohio if a new technology that checks phone activity is widely adopted by law enforcement. Nevada and New York are two states where the legislature has considered a device called the "textalyzer."

The textalyzer can be attached to a mobile phone to see what kind of user activity has occurred. The Israeli-based company that created the device says it does not store personal information, but it has not been field-tested. Furthermore, privacy advocates have raised concerns about its use. The original proposal before the Nevada legislature allowed a person's license to be suspended if the person refused to allow law enforcement to use the device on the phone, but it has been amended to say that a search warrant will be required if a person refuses. In 2017, the New York legislature rejected a measure that would have put the device in use, but it is once more under consideration.

On March 10, Ohio residents set their clocks one hour forward. This unfortunately means getting one fewer hour of sleep for many people. Official guidelines issued by the American Automobile Association advise drivers to get enough sleep before heading out on roads and highways. Experts recommend seven to eight hours of sleep every night. According to a recent AAA study, an overwhelming 95 percent of drivers stated that it's dangerous to drive without getting enough sleep. Despite this prevailing belief, nearly 30 percent of study respondents also admitted to driving their vehicles while significantly drowsy within the prior month.

Sleepy drivers often cause motor vehicle crashes. According to the executive director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, drivers who sleep less than five hours within a 24-hour period are just as dangerous as drunk drivers.

Drunk drivers remain an all too common problem on Ohio roadways. However, there are several things sober drivers can do to help protect themselves and others from impaired drivers. By following some tips, it may be possible to avoid alcohol-related collisions, injuries and fatalities.

First of all, drivers should be on the lookout for common signs of drunk driving. These signs include driving in the center of the road, weaving around, making turns that are too wide, almost hitting other vehicles or objects and driving on the wrong side of the road. Some alcohol-impaired drivers are also brazen enough to openly drink while behind the wheel.