For approximately one year, Ohio drivers have been able to reach 70 miles per hour (mph) on the interstates legally. An analysis of speeding tickets during the past year found that drivers are speeding just as much as they were before.
Nearly 100,000 drivers were ticketed in Ohio for going over the posted 65 mile per hour limit or 70 mile per hour limit. About 25 percent of drivers ticketed for both speeds were on Interstates 70 and 71, which goes through downtown Columbus.
Drivers claimed that they were going with the flow of traffic, however, tickets issued for drivers speeding in a 70 mph zone were for those going 14 miles per hour over the limit. Driving with the flow of traffic can actually lead to more drivers speeding.
Other data on speeding tickets shows that 114 drivers in Ohio were ticketed for driving more than 100 miles per hour in a 70 mph zone. More than 150 drivers were ticketed for going over 100 mph in a 65 mph zone.
The number of auto accidents caused by drivers who were speeding increased between 2012 and 2013 by two percent. Unfortunately, no information has become available just yet on how much the increased speed limit in Ohio has impacted the number of collisions reported.
Speeding is one of the top three causes of all motor vehicle accidents. If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash caused by a reckless driver, the victim may be entitled to file a personal injury claim. The Cincinnati, OH personal injury lawyers at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy can help you determine what your legal rights are.