On behalf of Weisman, Kennedy & Berris Co., L.P.A. posted in Car Accidents on Friday, July 12, 2013.

Independence Day weekend is a time for everyone to celebrate with friends and family members, and that usually means traveling on Ohio’s highways. Ohio’s roads are more congested during holiday weekends, which means that there may be more car and truck accidents than normal.

Car crashes are caused by reckless and impaired driving as well as speeding; however, the state’s speed limit, which increased on July 1, may not have a significant impact on the number of accidents in Ohio during the holiday weekend. In rural areas, the speed limit will increase from 65 mph to 70 mph. In some of Ohio’s neighboring states, the speed limit has been as high as 70 mph for several years; one other Midwestern state has reported fewer accidents since it lowered the highway speed limit.

Even before the speed limit was raised, Ohio drivers may have been driving at 70 mph on highways. Now that the speed limit has been raised, authorities may step up their speed enforcement. It is unknown why the state chose to raise the speed limit just in time for a holiday weekend, but it could be tied to the start of the fiscal year. If the speed limit increases are found to cause more car crashes, the state will likely lower them to their previous levels.

As always, it’s important for drivers to be cautious while driving. Accidents are devastating for victims and their family members. Fortunately, car accident victims may be entitled to compensation. Working with an attorney may be helpful for people in these circumstances.

Source:

The Plain Dealer, “Authorities don’t expect more crashes in Ohio Independence Day weekend with new 70 mph speed limit,” Pat Galbincea, July 3, 2013