I-80 Crash Brings Attention to Avoiding Rear-End Collisions

Claude Wyle — Tue, 26 May 2009 22:58:15 GMT

Despite the fact that rear-end collisions are the most common type of car accidents, injuries from such accidents are typically less severe than those in other types of wrecks, specifically head-on crashes. Unfortunately, this statistic didn't hold true this holiday weekend when a Vallejo man died Monday after being rear-ended by an Apria Healthcare delivery truck on I-80.

CHP Sgt. Jason Hekker said Benito Ramos was driving eastbound in the outside lane when the blue delivery truck driven by Ronald Riker, 22, of Vacaville, struck the back of the Toyota.

The impact smashed the Toyota's rear, pushed the car to the right and through a bush and chain link fence.

Riker was momentarily distracted before striking the car, Hekker said. Witnesses told officers he was "traveling at a high rate of speed," he added.

This tragedy reminds us that in order to avoid rear-end collisions and reduce the number of accidents and people harmed on our roads, it is important to remember seveal key steps. Among them:

Pay very close to your driving when following another car. Avoid distractions like your cell phone.
Watch for shrinking distance between your vehicle and the car in front of you.
Leave a safe distance between you and the vehicle you are following. A good guideline is the "two second rule" - leaving at least two seconds between you and the car ahead.
Watch for brake lights several cars ahead of the one you are following. This can increase your response time.

If we all pay more attention to the other cars around us and take the advice found above and in the video below, hopefully sad events like this can be reduced, and California's highways will be safer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sc9WaFcIXRU

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Claude Wyle

Highway Safety the Focus When Motorcycle and Tractor-Trailer Collide in Accident

Claude Wyle — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:36:24 GMT

Sad news earlier this week when a local motorcyclist was killed as a semi made an illegal move across traffic in an attempt to make a freeway connection. According to the San Jose Mercury News:

Herbert Saxton Jr., 33, was killed in the crash that occurred about 6 p.m. when the big-rig drove from the right shoulder of eastbound Interstate 580, just past the split with Interstate 205 west of Tracy, across two freeway lanes and into a dirt gore point separating the two freeways, said Officer Steve Creel.

Driving Safety expert Reed Berry has a great collection of videos about safe driving at VideoJug.com. Below I have included a short video that reminds drivers to be careful on the road, especially around motorcycles.

Since even the safest drivers let their minds wander and lose focus at times, Reed's videos serve as a great safety refresher to reference every now and then. This tragic accident could have been avoided if the truck driver had practiced basic highway driving safety. Remember, if you miss a turn or exit, it's important not to panic. Continuing on until you find a safe way to correct your route may cost time, but it also may save a life.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Claude Wyle

San Francisco Personal Injury Lawyer - Safe Driving

I-80 Crash Brings Attention to Avoiding Rear-End Collisions

Highway Safety the Focus When Motorcycle and Tractor-Trailer Collide in Accident