Stark County crashes are often caused by young drivers

You’re likely familiar with how bad traffic can get in this area. From almost daily crashes on Interstate 77 to backed-up traffic on the way to Kent State or Malone University, there is no question that you always have to pay attention to the road.

Did you know, though, that young drivers are responsible for around a third of the crashes in Stark County? Their bad habits are often learned from adult drivers, so parents aren’t off the hook, either.

The Ohio Highway Patrol has reported that drivers between the ages of 15 and 24 accounted for around a third of the crashes that took place in the county in 2018 and 2019. The two main offenses were failing to yield and speeding. In around half of all fatal crashes involving younger drivers, speeding was involved.

On top of that, younger drivers are inexperienced and often overconfident, which can lead to them making mistakes. Adding distractions, like cellphones, to the mix only increases the risk of collisions.

Ohio only requires 50 hours of driving time with a parent or legal guardian for a teen to get their driver’s license. Eight hours of driving have to be with a certified driving school, and 10 have to be done at night. Limited education and skills may play a role in some of these crashes.

Remember, if you are involved in a crash with another driver, you have three options. You can file an insurance claim through your insurance company, one through the driver’s insurer or opt to file a personal injury lawsuit. Regardless of the option you choose, it’s a smart idea to work with an attorney who has your best interests at heart and knows the state laws that apply to your case.