Personal Injury Law

Drive safely over the holidays!

By Beth Janicek

This week alone there have been two head-on collision accidents resulting in four deaths in the San Antonio area. The circumstances behind these two tragic accidents are unknown, but both occurred on two-lane roads, after the drivers accidentally veered into oncoming traffic.

According to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the 1999 Fatal Analysis Reporting System (FARS) statistics indicate that 18 percent of noninterchange, nonjunction fatal crashes are head-on collisions. The statistics further indicate that:

• 75 percent of head-on crashes occur on rural roads,
• 75 percent of head-on crashes occur on undivided two-lane roads, and
• 83 percent of two-lane undivided road crashes occur on rural roads.

AASHTO also states that most head-on crashes are likely a result of an 'unintentional' maneuver, such as the driver falling asleep, getting distracted, or traveling too fast in a curve. There may also be other contributing factors such as alcohol use or speeding.

Two-lane highways, especially in rural areas, can be very dangerous. Since avoiding two lane highways is not always an option; this holiday season, please remember to drive safely. To minimize the risk of an accident, put down your cell phone, remove all distractions, do not drive in unsafe conditions, and do not drink too much at your holiday parties.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends affected by these two tragic accidents.

Full post as published by San Antonio Personal Injury Lawyer on December 17, 2009 (boomark / email).