When Ohio residents and visitors take to the road in Canton, whether it is as a driver, a motorcyclist, a passenger, a bicyclist or a pedestrian, there is the chance of an auto accident with injuries and fatalities. These can happen for many reasons, including distraction, driving under the influence, speeding, recklessness or drowsiness.
However, not all roads are the same. Some have more accidents than others. Intersections in general can be notoriously dangerous. While steering clear of all of the worst intersections in Canton might be unfeasible, recognizing which roads have a high rate of crashes can help with staying alert and perhaps avoiding a crash. When there is an accident, it is important to know what to do.
Report shows problematic intersections and strives for solutions
In its recent Crash Report and Safety Work Plan, the Stark County Area Transportation Study (SCATS) listed the worst intersections. It also makes suggestions about how to improve safety. Researchers used digital tools from the Ohio Department of Transportation to identify the areas that were at greatest risk.
The worst intersection is 12th/13th Street NW and Interstate 77. In 2021, there were 19 accidents with three people being seriously injured. For the three years before the report was compiled, there were 57 accidents in that location. In 2020, this spot was 10th worst. One in five accidents were due to drivers’ failure to yield; 16% each were because of improper turns, following too closely and making improper lane changes.
The second worst intersection in Canton was 12th Street NW and Market Avenue N. In 2021, there were 22 accidents. In 2020, there were 25. Most were because of drivers following too closely at 65%.
Next is U.S. Route 62, Harmont Avenue NE and Lesh Street NE. Notably, this was the worst intersection in 2020, but dropped to sixth in Stark County. Researchers suggest stopping vehicles from making left turns from Commercial Drive. There were 29 accidents here in 2021 and three people were seriously hurt.
Rounding out the list is 15th Street NE and Walnut Avenue NE. In 2021, five accidents happened at this intersection. One person was seriously injured. Eighty percent of the accidents were because of drivers going through stop signs.
Those impacted by an auto accident should remember their options
This information can be useful for people to be more attentive in the listed locations, but that does not mean all accidents can be prevented. People need to use these roadways to get to work, to take kids to school, to run errands and more. After an accident, it can cause myriad challenges in a person’s life including financially, physically, professionally and emotionally.
Knowing what steps are available to recover all that was lost is imperative. Discussing these alternatives with those who have three decades of experience in these types of cases can be key. So too is it important to get comprehensive answers and qualified advice after an auto accident.