‘Bad as an accident can be’: Officials call for safe driving following fatal Cleveland crash
CLEVELAND (WJW) — One woman is dead after being ejected from her vehicle during a multiple vehicle crash on Interstate 480 West near the Tiedeman Road exit.
Multiple 911 callers reported seeing a body lying in the highway early Sunday morning.
“This was as bad as an accident can be,” Cleveland Division of Fire Lieutenant Mike Norman said.
Six cars were involved in the crash and multiple people were shaken up, but none of them required medical transport via EMS, Norman said.
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The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office later Sunday identified the woman as 22-year-old Michelle M. Jackson of Cleveland.
“It appears to be an unrestrained driver, who was ejected from the vehicle suffered life-ending injuries,” Norman said. “So, we just want to remind people to always be restrained. Everybody in the vehicle should be restrained. Everybody should have their seatbelts on. We don’t know where the car accidents will be this weekend, but we know that there will be some. So, you just want to make sure that you’re protected.”
The impacted stretch of I-480 W reopened just before 2 p.m. according to Norman, slowing traffic for close to five hours while crews worked to clear the accident scene.
Labor Day Weekend is the tail end of the 100 deadliest days of summer, according to AAA.
Every year, multiple agencies work to offset these deadly crashes. The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding drivers to limit distractions and never operate a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
“Everyone traveling Ohio’s roads plays a part in keeping them safe this Labor Day,” Colonel Charles A. Jones, Patrol Superintendent. “By planning ahead and designating a sober driver, you contribute to making our roadways secure for all.”
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During the 2023 Labor Day holiday weekend, there were 23 fatal crashes that killed 24 people. Of those, 16 crashes and 17 fatalities involved alcohol and/or drugs. Eleven of fatalities where safety belts were available, 10 were unbelted. The Patrol also made 417 OVI arrests during this timeframe.
Potential impaired drivers can be reported by dialing #677.
With Labor Day weekend continuing Monday, Norman is also reminding motorists to keep an eye out for flashing lights.
“If you see Cleveland Fire companies, EMS companies, police responding, move right for lights, that’s important,” he said.
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