Both I-75 and I-74 are clogged highways that present serious risks for drivers. The five-mile stretch of I-75 near Cincinnati is one of Ohio’s deadliest roadway segments. Overall, Hamilton County is the third-deadliest county for drivers in the entire state. Highways in the county are continuously under construction, and more work is planned in the future. In addition, drivers often do other things behind the wheel and do not fully pay attention to the road. Here are some tips for staying safe on Interstates 75 and 74.
Keep Eyes on the Road at All Times
Distracted driving is a common cause of highway accidents. Drivers may act unpredictably because they are not focused on the road. They may veer out of their lanes or be unable to stop in time to avoid an accident. Distracted driving can take a motorist’s eyes off the road for an extended period of time. Even sending or reading one text can take five or more seconds, with another 30 seconds to refocus attention on the road. Whatever the potential distraction is – it is not worth your life and that of others around you.
Drive Defensively
You never quite know what other drivers will do on a highway. While you can control your own actions and take every safety step possible, you do not make other drivers’ choices for them. In fact, drunk driving is the leading cause of accident fatalities in Cincinnati area interstates. Although it is impossible to anticipate a drunk driver’s unpredictable accidents, driving defensively in the first place may give you slightly more time to react when you are taken by surprise.
Use Care When Merging
Merging is one of the most dangerous but necessary maneuvers on a highway. You are trying to get up to speed to change lanes when drivers who are passing by may be traveling at higher speeds. You should make other drivers aware of your intent by signaling when you are merging or changing lanes. If you are the driver who has the right of way, you should not be overly difficult about letting drivers merge when they have to, yielding way when necessary.
Pay Extra Attention in Work Zones
These days, the entire Cincinnati area seems to be one large highway work zone. The roads in the area are notoriously in bad shape, and the government finally has the funding to make the extensive repairs necessary. Work zones are perhaps the most dangerous part of the highway because there are sudden changes in speed and highway patterns. Drivers do not take the extra care necessary in the work zones, raising the risk of severe accidents. Both drivers and construction workers are at risk in work zone crashes.
Allow Extra Time to Be Safe
Arriving on time or early may be important to you, so it is crucial that you do not put yourself in a position where you need to make up time on the highway. It is better to allow extra time and to be early if necessary. You should also allow time for yourself to take breaks when necessary so you are not tired and not tempted to multitask behind the wheel. Know when you need to leave to allow yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. You never want to feel pressured to speed or do anything else dangerous because you are short on time.
Contact a Cincinnati Car Accident Lawyer at Wolterman Law Office After a Highway Crash
A Cincinnati car accident lawyer at Wolterman Law Office can fight for you when you have been hurt by someone else’s actions in a crash. You can schedule a free initial consultation by calling us today at 513-488-1135 or contacting us online. Our office is located in Loveland, Ohio, and we help clients in Hamilton County, Fairfield, Norwood, and Forest Park, Ohio.