Car accidents happen every day in Ohio. The speed at which the car that causes the accident is traveling is important. Ohio statutes and rules stipulate that not only should you follow the speed limit but you should travel less than the speed limit if conditions are bad or traffic is stalled.
The law states that no one should presume to drive at a rate of speed when traffic is heavy, the width of the street is narrow or the condition of the highway is poor. Even if the speed limit says you can.
School zones are a different animal altogether.
You may travel at a rate of 20 miles per hour in a school zone when kids are present and the lights are flashing. Of course, if there is a bridge or a covered walkway the speed may be elevated and you won’t get a ticket for driving the normal speed limit in this zone. School zones are marked with a sign so it is wise to pay attention.
There are definite rules for setting speed limits in Ohio and some of those are as follows:
— You may travel at a speed of 60 MPH on a two-lane state route that is outside the city limits.
— Travelling 55 MPH on freeways that have paved shoulders inside the city limits is fine.
— If you are on a rural divided highway, the speed limit will be 65 MPH.
There are many others, but you begin to see that there is a pattern of control that the government is dictating. Limits are governed by law, not by what the local authorities think should happen.
Being aware of the law and knowing your rights is so important. Having someone in your corner when you have been in an accident that was not your fault is equally as important. This person has critical knowledge and knows how to deal with insurance companies and the civil court system.
Source: Ohio Revised Code, “4511.21 Speed limits – assured clear distance,” accessed June 26, 2015