Driving a motorcycle on Ohio roads can be appealing for any number of reasons, from the speed and feel of the open air to practical reasons like affordability and fuel economy. But with the benefits of motorcycles come with the inescapable fact that they also bring along significant additional danger.
Ohio Department of Public Safety crash statistics for 2014 illustrate that danger. The 2014 crash statistics show that motorcycles accounted for less than one percent of crashes, but over 12 percent of crash-related deaths. When alcohol is added to the equation, motorcycles become even more deadly. Over 30 percent of fatal motorcycle crashes involved alcohol-impaired drivers, as compared to only 18 percent for regular passenger vehicles. The 2014 crash statistics show how dangerous operating a motorcycle can be, but the same statistics also serve as a warning to all drivers on Ohio roads. If you get involved in an accident with a motorcycle, the chances increase greatly that the crash could lead to a fatality.
The nature of motorcycles can make them more difficult to see on the roads, especially at night. It is not hard to imagine a situation where you are driving home in a passenger car after a late dinner and are unable to see clearly see a motorcycle coming as you make a turn. The resulting crash has a much higher chance of being deadly. If such a crash does lead to death, it also means that you could wind up facing severe criminal charges.
If you misjudged the amount of alcohol you had at dinner and were over the legal limit, you could be facing felony aggravated vehicular homicide charges or worse. But even if you were not operating your vehicle while impaired you could end up facing vehicular manslaughter charges if it is determined that you committed a minor traffic misdemeanor.
How a Cincinnati Vehicular Manslaughter Attorney Can Help
Even the most careful drivers can end up being involved in an accident, and if that accident involves a motorcycle the chances for injury or death increase. If you’ve been involved in a fatal accident you could end up facing any of a wide range of criminal charges. It is important to have an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side to help defend you no matter what charges you face.
Attorney Brad Groene with the firm Luftman, Heck & Associates is a Cincinnati vehicular manslaughter attorney who has represented hundreds of clients over the years and has worked hard to achieve the best possible outcome no matter the situation. Contact Luftman, Heck & Associates to get the help that you need. Call (513) 338-1890 to set up a free and confidential consultation.
