If you’ve ever felt like driving in a certain city in Ohio was more dangerous than driving in others, it may not have just been your imagination. Statistics show that some cities and counties are more dangerous than others year-to-year.
For example, in 2024, Fox8.com reported that Youngstown was the most dangerous city in Ohio for crashes, with 2.2 fatal accidents per 10,000 residents. This figure was 1.9x the national average that year. Coming in second was Dayton at 1.7 fatal accidents per 10,000 residents and third was Canton at 1.6 fatal accidents per 10,000 residents.
If we look at sheer crash volume in counties, Hamilton County topped the list in 2025, with 28,854 total crashes reported, 53 of them fatal and 331 suspected of causing serious injuries.
Car crashes can and do happen anywhere, even in smaller towns and rural areas. Anyone who gets in a car in our state runs the risk of getting hurt in a car wreck. The best thing to do to keep yourself and your passengers safe is to be as safety-conscious as possible when you’re behind the wheel.
Defensive Driving on Ohio’s Roads
Human error caused by negligence is the cause of a high percentage of car accidents in America. Negligence can take many different forms, but three of the top car accident causes are:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Distracted driving involving texting, GPS use, and checking social media notifications
No driver can regulate the actions of others. But every driver can reduce their risk of a car crash by adopting safer driving habits and learning defensive driving. Avoiding speeding, driving under the influence, and texting is a good start.
Ohio Drivers Need to Be Prepared and Smart
“Know before you go” is always a good rule to follow when it comes to safe driving. This is true, of course, for an extended road trip. But it’s wise to take a moment to assess the situation before driving anywhere.
Here are important tips that can keep cars, drivers, and passengers safer on Ohio roads:
- Rain, snow, fog, ice, or excessive heat? Find out what the weather has in store before backing out of the driveway. If the weather makes it harder to see or harder to stop the car, leave extra distance between cars when driving.
- How’s traffic? Those who live in cities can almost always check traffic before they head to grandma’s house. Nobody is happy on a bumper-to-bumper freeway.
- Ready to roll? A car should have safety equipment like working seat belts, tools to change a flat tire, and, in cold seasons, winter tires and emergency supplies. Also, ensure the car’s headlights, brakes, brake lights, and windshield wipers are functional.
- Which way to go? Use an old-fashioned map or the MAPS app and figure out the route from the safety of home. Drivers who are uncertain of their route may change lanes at the last minute or use their cell phone while driving to look up directions. Never use a phone while driving.
- Had a beer or puffed on a joint? Never drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs, legal or illegal. Even those who don’t feel impaired after imbibing should let someone else take the wheel.
Best Steps to Take if an Accident Happens on Ohio Roads
Even a driver who follows all of these precautions might be involved in an accident in Ohio. If the other driver’s negligence caused the accident, they can be held responsible for vehicle damages as well as for all injuries to the driver and passengers in that vehicle.
Under Ohio law, victims can go to court and seek compensation for economic and non-economic injuries. These can include all related medical expenses, including those that will be required in the future (like additional surgery or rehabilitation), lost wages or income, lost earning potential, pain and suffering, and, if the injuries are deemed “lasting”, the loss of enjoyment of life. The negligent driver will also be responsible for property damage, including the cost to repair or replace the victim’s vehicle.
Ohio requires that most personal injury claims be filed within two years of the car accident. That means that anyone involved in a car accident with injuries should make it a priority to consult with an experienced Cleveland auto accident attorney. They can gather and safeguard the evidence, track down witnesses, assist in determining damages, negotiate with the negligent driver’s insurer, and, if necessary, represent you in court.
Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy Can Help You Pursue Full and Fair Compensation
At Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy, we have nearly a century of experience representing Ohio residents in personal injury matters, including car accident cases involving a disability claim. We believe that nobody should have to take on the emotional and financial hardship of a serious injury alone—especially when another person’s negligence caused it.
Our legal team is ready to help you pursue the damages you deserve after an injury that wasn’t your fault. Contact our Cleveland car accident lawyers today for a free consultation.
