State v. Cook, Unpublished Decision (12-14-2001)
State v. Cook, Unpublished Decision (12-14-2001)
Opinion of the Court
In December 2000, appellant, Crystal L. Cook, was cited for failure to stop within an assured clear distance in violation of R.C.
The trial court found that appellant violated R.C.
Appellant now appeals that judgment, setting forth the following sole assignment of error:
"THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN FINDING THAT APPELLANT VIOLATED THE ASSURED CLEAR DISTANCE STATUTE."
Appellant is essentially arguing that the trial court's finding was against the manifest weight of the evidence. Under a manifest weight standard, an appellate court sits as a "thirteenth juror" and may disagree with the fact finder's resolution of the conflicting testimony.State v. Thompkins (1997),
"`reviewing the entire record, weighs the evidence and all reasonable inferences, considers the credibility of witnesses and determines whether in resolving conflicts in the evidence, the jury clearly lost its way and created such a miscarriage of justice that the conviction must be reversed and a new trial ordered. The discretionary power to grant a new trial should be exercised only in the exceptional case in which the evidence weighs heavily against the conviction.'" Id., quoting State v. Martin (1983),
20 Ohio App.3d 172 ,175 .
R.C.
"No person shall operate a motor vehicle * * * at a greater speed than will permit the person to bring it to a stop within the assured clear distance ahead."
R.C.
In this case, evidence was presented that the black BMW which pulled into the median area caused the truck in front of appellant to slow down. Appellant then turned onto the left berm in order to avoid hitting the truck. Consequently, appellant hit the BMW because she failed to travel at a speed which would enable her to stop within an assured clear distance from the truck and remain in her lane of travel. Therefore, we cannot say that the trial court clearly lost its way in finding appellant guilty of violating the assured clear distance statute.
Accordingly, appellant's sole assignment of error is not well-taken.
The judgment of the Perrysburg Municipal Court is affirmed. Court costs of this appeal are assessed to appellant.
A certified copy of this entry shall constitute the mandate pursuant to App.R. 27. See, also, 6th Dist.Loc.App.R. 4, amended 1/1/98.
James R. Sherck, J., Mark L. Pietrykowski, P.J., Judge, CONCUR.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.