ACDA: How Keeping Your Distance Can Keep You Safe

What is ACDA?

ACDA, or Assured Clear Distance Ahead, is an acronym that you may have heard in the past. ACDA simply means to maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you while driving. This common-sense safety rule is also a law in the state of Ohio.

Ohio Revised Code 4511.21 Speed Limits – Assured Clear Distance states that:

“no person shall drive any motor vehicle, trackless trolley, or streetcar in and upon any street or highway at a greater speed than will permit the person to bring it to a stop within the assured clear distance ahead.”

This means that anytime you are driving your automobile, you are required to leave enough distance between your vehicle and the next to safely come to a stop if the need arises.

Am I at fault for the accident if cited for ACDA?

If you are cited for ACDA after an accident, there is unfortunately a high chance that you are at fault or partially at fault for the accident. Drivers have a legal obligation to maintain a clear distance ahead while driving and a failure to do so will typically render that person responsible. However, this is not set in stone.

To find out if you are at fault due to a citation for ACDA, it is best to contact an attorney immediately for a consultation. An attorney will be able to look at the specifics of your accident and advise you based on the facts of the case. You could be found fully at-fault or could be found to only be partially at-fault; it will depend on the specifics of your case.

How can I avoid an ACDA citation?

Fortunately, there are a few simple things that you can do to avoid an ACDA citation.

• You can make sure to follow-up on regular maintenance on your vehicle.
• Having up-to-date tires and breaks can help in scenarios that require sudden breaking.
• You can also maintain safe driving habits during hazardous conditions. If it is raining or snowing, simply slow down and provide extra room between yourself and the vehicles in front of you. Maintaining that extra distance can make the difference in a sudden breaking situation.
• Finally, you can avoid distracted driving. Texting while driving can slow your reaction time to dangerous levels, so keeping your cellphone away while driving can help ensure your safety and the safety of others.

These three simple things can help you avoid injuries and avoid lengthy and expensive litigation.

What can I do if someone who hit me is cited for ACDA?

If you’ve been involved in an auto-accident and the person that hit you was cited for ACDA, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, property damage, and suffering. The first step is to contact an attorney. An attorney will be able to compare the facts of your case to the relevant law and advise you on what actions can be taken next. If you need to contact a personal injury attorney about an accident and possible ACDA, why not call the best? When you need a lifeline, call McKenzie & Snyder. Our attorneys have over twenty years of experience in handling personal injury cases.

If you are involved in an accident, call McKenzie & Snyder at (513) 737-5180