Nasty Route 2 crash

Thanks, Mr Noble! I may have taken that route before, over the years, but am unsure. I know that in May I overshot my intended exit and it cost me some time. I had to actually travel NNW back to Sandusky.

I am NOT good at navigation!

MrScott

I've taken route 2 since I first began driving to Cedar Point 32 years ago. I agree it can be a dangerous route when people who are in a hurry try to pass cars that are going the speed limit.

You can encounter a nutcase on any road, even freeways and turnpikes. The only difference is you can better avoid problems and head on collisions on a freeway, so long as there are no construction barriers blocking any means of escape.

Although the Free Press article indicated Route 2 is more dangerous than the turnpike, I'd still be interested in the number of injuries/fatalities on the stretch of turnpike between 280 and route 250 before I'll make a determination to stop using Route 2.

The number you probably want is fatalities per passenger mile, not total fatalities.

I feel so bad:( for the people who died. At least they got to spend their last day at a place thats like a little heaven on earth.

As for Route 2, me and my entire family have taken that route for as long as anyone can remember. We've all seen our share of the "bad" drivers along the way. The best thing to do is to be extremely cautious and don't get caught up in any roadrage. Yes ODOT should do something, lets all hope that comes very soon.

My heart goes out to the members of the family in which this tragedy happened to. I think it would be a great thing if we all could try to put aside a few minutes to pray for them and wish them luck through the next few months. I just hope that the one lonely survivor pulls through and makes a fine recovery.

I just went by the accident site today they still had crews letting only one lane of traffic through on the way to cedar point about 1p.m. about 2 or 3 miles west of davis besse

If you are coming from or going to Michigan, there's really no good choice in of routes.

Picking up I-280 would be a good choice to skirt down toward the turnpike. But the last time I did that, I-280 was disrupted by bridge work etc. However, if you are taking Route 2, you may encounter that mess anyway, if the mess still exists (haven't gone that way in a while). Taking I-75 to the turnpike seems out of the away, although probably statistically safer.

Ultimately, I think the pike is the way to go because, absent any road construction etc., you are always moving and at your preferred rate of speed, the Ohio Highway Patrol willing. Route 2 doesn't afford the same opportunities for speed or progress since you never know what kinda slow-poke you might end up behind. And passing before the four-lane section begins closer to Port Clinton can be a dicey situation.

At any rate, the crash earlier this week is truly a tragedy and one of the saddest things I've read about in some time. The one girl who survived apparently has a pretty rough road ahead of her. She's certainly needs all the prayers and thoughts that we can offer.

They had the scene cleaned up when I went by it on the way home at about 1 am this morning... The skidmarks from the (I would assume?) semi were really long... maybe a hundred or so feet? Really makes it hard to feel safe while driving.

The 280 construction looks worse than it is. There are two lanes typically open in each direction, and they move at a steady 30-40 mph. The section is short enough that it doesn't add much time. The only variable is still whether or not the drawbridge is open, but that's only happened to me once.

I hate that drawbridge. A few years ago we got stopped by it and if you're back far enough you have no clue, except that all of traffic is stopped with no warning. But still if you leave yourself enough time (I usually try to aim to arrive by 9:30, just in case of set backs) you'll have no problem whatsoever.
Does anyone know what that monster expressway in Toledo is? I drove under/through it in May while they're working on it, but not being from Ohio, don't know much about it. Looks like something Burton would have built into Gotham City.
Thanks
John

Rt 2 is the only way to cedar point from my house in strongsville. We can go around and keep on the turnpike but it adds about 30 minutes to out trip. Rt. 2 is safe if your on the 4 lane highway. The 2 lane highway is a death trap. I am very sad about the family.

I assume you are referring to the I-280 Maumee River Crossing project. That's the new bridge for the interstate that, when completed, will eliminate the need for the drawbridge, which is one of the few on interstate highways in the U.S.

It's quite a lengthy construction project, and I can't quite recall when it's supposed to be done or whether the crane accident that killed some construction workers in February pushed back completion at all.

But you are right, rather Burton-esque indeed. Then again, much of Toledo shares that creepy quality.

I don't need any statistics for me to realize that the Turnpike is safer than that stretch of Rt 2. I don't go to Toledo very often, but I always use 80/90.

Ohio 2: 'Killer highway'

*** Edited 6/24/2004 4:52:00 PM UTC by Walt***

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much of Toledo shares that creepy quality

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Hey! I am offended! ;)

Not everything is creepy here!

More from the Plain Dealer.

If the guy had two beers nine hours before the accident, I don't know why they would even suspect that was a factor. Typically your body metabolizes the bulk of the alcohol one hour per drink.

I too am a bit surprised that the working assumption is that he must have been impaired. Maybe he was just really freakin' tired. I know there've been more than a few nights when I am awfully glad to be staying in a local hotel rather than driving home after a full day at the park.

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If the guy had two beers nine hours before the accident, I don't know why they would even suspect that was a factor.

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He was only 19. They did dismiss it though because hia BAL was .025. They found a cooler full of beer in the car. The paremedic (one of them) said that she smelled beer on his breath. I guess that they didn't believe him at first when he said that he only had two, and has a rap sheet. They were probably too busy at the scene to give him a breath alyzer. The girl behind him stated that he had been swirving for quite some time before the accident. I would have been quick to assume the same thing.

Let me add something..I just read your link, Jeff, and The Plain Dealer says that he was 28. The day after it happened, the NBC affiliate here in Toledo said that he was 19. Let's say he was 23! *** Edited 6/30/2004 5:20:32 PM UTC by CurrentlyDownDueTo FillInTheBlank***

Ok, I just looked at NBC 24's website and it seems they have changed it to age 28.

Reporters! :rolleyes

I'm not quibbling over the suspicion of alcohol playing a role. But, once he tested out well below the limit, the reporter now focuses on tests to determine the presence of drugs. Sure, it's possible, but it's a lot more likely that he was just tired, particularly because it appeared he was drinking responsibly.

Driving tired can be as bad driving drunk.