Many drivers understand that drinking and driving can be a fatal mistaken and plan appropriately. However, these are not the only types of poor decisions which can lead to tragic car accidents. Some Ohioans may not know, but even small and momentary mistakes can oftentimes have fatal results. A recent car accident in Jackson Township shows just how dangerous a distracted driver can be, even if only for even a couple of seconds.
According to the accident investigation done by police officers, a distracted driver may have caused a car accident on I-76 which left two people dead. The car crash happened when the first vehicle, a small car, stopped due to traffic congestion related to ongoing construction. The vehicle contained four people, two of which were in the backseat. Shortly after slowing down, the vehicle was rear-ended by an SUV, fatally injuring the two backseat passengers of the car. While the two survived the crash and were transported to medical facilities to receive treatment, they both succumbed to their injuries later.
According to police reports, the driver of the SUV admitted to one mistake -- reaching for a drink. While such a minor action is surely repeated by many other drivers throughout the country, accidents like this can show exactly why it is so important to give driving the attention that it deserves.
While many drivers may consider these seemingly trivial choices as harmless, it is important to recognize that when operating a motor vehicle, it is the drivers' responsibility to provide undivided attention to the task at hand. Using a cell phone to talk or text, or reaching for objects can divide the drivers attention and lead to fatal accidents. These are all examples of behavior that could be considered reckless in a trial, and could result in a driver being financial liable for an accident.
Source: WFMJ.com, "UPDATED: Victims identified in 1-76 crash, second victim dies," Lamar Salter, June 9, 2013