A major accident shut down Columbia Parkway last week. Investigators believe that the accident was a result of drunk driving, driving while drugged or both. 

A 35-year-old driver negligently crossed the center line on Columbia Parkway. His vehicle first struck a 46-year-old Cincinnati Police Sergeant's vehicle, which then hit two other vehicles driven by a 42-year-old woman and a 39-year-old male respectively.

According to Cincinnati police, the driver who caused the crashed was speeding and was driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs at the time of the car accident.

Three people who suffered injuries in the crash were taken to University Hospital to receive treatment for their injuries. One of the victims was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital.

Unfortunately, the police sergeant remains in critical condition. He suffered severe head injuries, broken legs and a broken arm. It was originally thought that his spleen would have to be removed, but it looks like his vital signs have shown some improvement and this may no longer be necessary.

Although the number of accidents on Columbia Parkway is below the city average, injuries that do occur on the busy Ohio roadway are usually very serious. The Director of Transportation for the City of Cincinnati reports that excessive speeding is the primary cause of accidents on the Parkway.

As a result of this major car accident and concerns over the safety of Columbia Parkway, the City of Cincinnati may organize a task force to determine how to improve safety on the roadway. One idea is to remove the center lane to allow broken down cars to pull over. Another idea is to install a barrier, so that accidents such as this one can be prevented. Hopefully, the city will address the safety issues so that future accidents can be avoided.

Source: Local 12 WKRC Cincinnati, "Driver in Columbia Parkway Crash Charged," Aug. 16, 2011