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Ohio Is One of the Most Dangerous States for Winter Driving

Posted in Accident & Injury, Automobile, Car Accident, Motorcycle Accident, Truck Accident on March 3, 2025

Winter Driving

Spring may be just around the corner, but winter weather remains in the forecast, continuing to pose risks for Ohio drivers. Snow, ice, and slush create dangerous conditions on the road, leading to thousands of accidents each year, making it crucial for drivers to be extra cautious during the colder months. Recent data from the Ohio State Highway Patrol and other sources highlight the most hazardous roads and provide key insights into winter crash trends.

The 10 Deadliest Road Stretches in Ohio, With Greater Hazardous Risks in Winter:

  1. I-71 from Exit 110B to Exit 116 (Columbus) – 11 fatal accidents, 15 fatalities
  2. US-40 Broad Street from Dana Avenue to Nationwide Boulevard (Columbus) – 9 fatal accidents, 10 fatalities
  3. I-75 from Exit 21 to Exit 14 (Sharonville | West Chester) – 7 fatal accidents, 8 fatalities
  4. Outerbelt S Freeway from Exit 21 to Exit 16 (Cleveland | Valley View | Independence) – 7 fatal accidents, 8 fatalities
  5. I-75 from Exit 4 to Exit 10A (Cincinnati | Saint Bernard) – 7 fatal accidents, 7 fatalities
  6. Jack Nicklaus Freeway from Exit 43A to Exit 35 (Columbus | Gahanna) – 7 fatal accidents, 7 fatalities
  7. I-75 from Exit 50B to Exit 47 (West Carrollton | Moraine) – 6 fatal accidents, 10 fatalities
  8. Jack Nicklaus Freeway from Exit 52 to Exit 2 (Columbus) – 6 fatal accidents, 7 fatalities
  9. Lakeland Freeway from Exit 179 to Exit 183 (Cleveland | Euclid | Bratenahl) – 6 fatal accidents, 7 fatalities
  10. Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway from Exit 105B to Exit 110B (Columbus) – 6 fatal accidents, 6 fatalities

Winter Driving in Ohio Statistics

Recent statistics indicate a significant increase in winter auto accident fatalities, rising from 395 in 2021 to 498 in 2022 – an increase of 26%, the highest in the past four years.

Ohio ranks as the 5th most dangerous state for winter driving, with an average of 89 winter driving fatalities reported between 2020 and 2022. Ohio’s winter driving fatality rate is 0.27 per billion lane miles, higher than in many other states.

Winter Driving Safety Tips

To help keep yourself and others safe, follow these essential winter driving tips:

  • ✅ Prepare Your Vehicle: Check your tire pressure, ensure wipers function correctly, and top off antifreeze levels. A winter emergency kit with blankets, food, and a flashlight is also advisable.
  • ✅ Clear Your Car Before Driving: Remove snow and ice from your windows, mirrors, headlights, and brake lights to ensure complete visibility.
  • ✅ Slow Down: Slow down for slippery conditions. Speed limits may be unsafe on icy roads.
  • ✅ Increase Following Distance: Stopping takes longer on snowy or icy roads. Maintain extra distance from the car in front of you.
  • ✅ Use Gentle Movements: To prevent skidding, avoid sudden braking, rapid acceleration, or sharp turns.
  • ✅ Check the Forecast: Check weather and road conditions before leaving, and consider postponing travel if conditions are unsafe.

By staying informed and practicing safe driving habits, you can reduce the risk of accidents and navigate Ohio’s winter roads more confidently.

CONTACT ELK + ELK

If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident, Elk + Elk can help. Call now for a free case review at 1-800-ELK-OHIO (1-800-355-6446). We provide answers and support throughout the entire process.