Columbus is the state of Ohio’s largest city – it serves as the economic epicenter of the region. This famous Midwest city is a lot different than you might think. Those who live in Columbus understand the cultural value of the city – there are plenty of museums and top-notch educational institutions in Columbus. If you live in Columbus, especially in the suburbs, you know how important it is to have a car if you want to get around the city.

While purchasing a car can be expensive, keeping it insured will also cost you substantially. In this article, we’ll take a look at how you can get the most out of your car insurance policy in Columbus, Ohio. Our company helps our readers find the most affordable instant car insurance quote in the industry with our easy to use auto insurance estimate calculator. We also provide you with useful information on driving in different cities – this guide will help you stay safe on the roads of Columbus, Ohio!

Columbus: Driving Conditions in the City

Columbus has some of the worst traffic in the country – in fact, it has the worst traffic in the state of Ohio. This means that you might find congestion a regular problem – if you want to avoid problems, you need to try and steer clear of congestion by looking at traffic maps before you set out on the road. In addition to traffic, you also need to be careful about winter months in Columbus. It can get extremely cold in Ohio, which means that you will have to contend with icy roads and snowy conditions on occasion. It is extremely dangerous to drive in these conditions – make sure to check the weather before you go anywhere during winter months. If you don’t have previous experience driving in cold conditions, this can be especially dangerous for you.

Driving Safely in Columbus, Ohio

The United States is unique because each state has different laws and regulations. If you’re trying to avoid getting into trouble with the law, it’s important to understand the state and city driving laws. If you don’t follow these laws, you might end up with a fine or other form of punishment. In this section, we’ll take an in-depth look at the different driving safety laws in Columbus, Ohio – check the top ones out below!

Phone/Handheld Laws in Columbus

Distracted driving is an increasing problem in the United States – more people than ever have smartphone and many can’t resist using them while they drive. Many states have started to try and curtail smart phone use on the roads by imposing laws and punishments for distracted driving. If you are under the age of 18, you cannot use your phone on the road for any purpose. Those over the age of 18 can use their phones for talking, but not for texting. Fines for breaking these laws can be up to $150 for first time offenders – it can cost you if you’re not careful!

Seatbelt and Car Seat Laws in Columbus

In Ohio, you have to wear a seatbelt if you are in the front seats of a vehicle – this includes the front passenger seat and driver’s seat. Even if you are in the back seat of vehicle, it is much safer for you to use a seatbelt – you don’t want to end up getting hurt for no reason. For children under the age of 8, a car seat or booster seat must be used to secure the child. Children must not use a regular seatbelt until they reach a height of 4’ 9”.

Helmet Laws in Columbus

If you’re under the age of 18, you have to wear a helmet while on a motorcycle– this applies to passengers on motorcycles as well. If you have had your license for less than a year, you also have to wear your helmet. If you break this law, you may face a fine of up to $75 for your first offense. Those over the age of 18 that have had their license for more than a year can legally ride without a helmet. It has been proven that helmets increase your chance of surviving after an accident. If you want to avoid issues while on your motorcycle, make sure to wear a helmet – it can be the difference between life and death.

Alcohol and Drug Laws (Driving)

Impaired driving is a problem throughout the United States – the same rings true for Ohio. Driving while intoxicated causes many deaths on Ohio roads each year. While many states refer to this as a DUI, in Ohio it is called a OVI – operating under the influence. If you are over 21, the limit is .08. If you are operating a commercial vehicle in Ohio, the limit is .04. If you are under the age of 21, the limit is reduced even further to .02. The punishments given for OVI will depend on how intoxicated you are and how many times you have been caught. For a first offense, you can receive up to six months in prison, $1,000 in fines, and three years’ license suspension. Keep in mind you will also need to get a car insurance sr22 insurance policy which will be more costly. This may increase if you are extremely intoxicated.

Columbus Statistics

If you want to get a better idea of how dangerous roads are in Columbus, it’s important to take a look at the stats for the entire state of Ohio. The state of Ohio provides great data on yearly crash reports and statistics. In 2017, there were 1,179 fatalities on roads in Ohio. In addition, 471 of these individuals were not wearing a seatbelt – a clear indication of why you should strap up while you drive. While Ohio has a reputation for being rural and friendly, you still need to be as careful as possible on the roads!

Verdict

Auto insurance is an investment – it can help you combat huge costs if you end up in an accident. In addition, if you get the right policy, you can also protect yourself against flood damage and theft. If you want cheap insurance in Ohio, make sure to check out some of the insurance companies that we recommend plus car insurance rates by zip code. We strive to help our readers find the best deals on the market!