Two separate fatal accidents where alcohol is suspected to be a factor in the crash were reported in Ohio within 12 hours of each other.
In Marion County around 1:30 a.m. Christopher D. Nagel was driving his Ford pick-up southbound on Smeltzer Road. Nagel drove off the right side of the road and struck a mailbox, he then over-corrected and drive off the left side of the road and struck a tree. Nagel was ejected from the truck and died from injuries at Marion general Hospital. Troopers said Nagel was not wearing a seatbelt.
In Richland County, Rhonda Parman was traveling east on Possum Run Road and drove left of center at the top of a hill. Troopers say she collided with a pick-up truck being driven by Kyle Tingley.
Parman was taken to Ohio Health Mansfield Hospital where she later died. Tingley suffered minor injuries. Both Parman and Tingley were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.
The holidays are a time of celebration, but also a dangerous time for drivers as many motorists get behind the wheel after they have been drinking. According to the Ohio Department of Public Safety, more than 1,200 motor vehicle accidents were reported on Dec. 24 and Dec. 25.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) understands how dangerous this time period is, which is why they team up with local law enforcement to run the Drive Sober of Get Pulled Over campaign. Between Dec. 10 and Dec. 31, police will be on high alert for drunk drivers who are putting others in danger.
If you or someone you love is injured by a drunk driver this holiday season, contact the auto accident attorneys at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy. An injury lawyer from our firm can help you determine what your legal options are.