An SUV collided with a pickup truck killing the driver of the SUV and injuring all five occupants of the truck. The accident happened Monday, July 6, 2019, around 12 p.m. when a Buick Encore crossed the center line into the southbound lane of U.S. 431 at Pettit Road and struck a Ford F-250 head on.
Police say that the female driver of the Encore died at the scene, and the driver and four passengers in the F-150 were taken to Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. Police also say that they don’t know why the driver of the SUV crossed the centerline, but that neither alcohol nor drugs were not suspected as being a factor.
Rural Highways and Head-On Crashes
The head-on collision is the deadliest accident type according to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. While they account for only 2 percent of accidents, they are the cause of over 10 percent of traffic fatalities.
The NHSTA also reports that head-on collisions are more prevalent on rural highways similar to U.S. 431. In fact, those same highway account for around 53 percent of the nation’s fatal accidents while accounting for only 33 percent of miles driven. Put together, this shows the dangers drivers and passengers face when they take to the country roads.
Why are Country Roads so Dangerous?
Traffic and safety experts say that the reason is because country highways are narrower, have narrower shoulders and are not divided by barriers or medians. Most of theses roads have a speed limit of 55 plus which means that cars are flying by each other with a potential net impact of over 110 miles-per-hour with only a few feet between the cars.
Also, passing is dangerous on rural highways because the passing car has to travel in the oncoming lane. This adds to the likelihood of a head-on collision.
Injuries in Rural Head-On Collisions
Because head-on collisions are some of the most violent and deadly accidents, those who survive are also more likely to experience serious or life-threatening injuries. This is because of the force of the impact in a head-on and that the momentum of both cars are abruptly halted causing the occupants of both vehicles to be forcefully thrown forward.
Some of the most common injuries suffered by victims of a rural head-on collision are:
- Blunt Force Trauma
- Head Injuries/Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Broken Bones
- Chest Compressions
- Organ Damage
- Internal Injuries/Bleeding
- Air bag injuries
What do I do if I’m in a head-on Collision while Driving on a Country Road?
The first thing to do is to take care of any immediate medical needs, and during this time, refrain from talking to the insurance company or their attorneys until you speak to your own attorney. Most law firms offer a free consultation so you can ask questions and have your case evaluated.
This way if you decide not to hire an attorney, you at least know your rights under the law so you can make an informed decision. The attorneys at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, have lawyers that are experienced in head-on collisions and rural driving accidents.
Don’t go it alone, call us today. When you call Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, at 800 937-8443, you will immediately speak to a member of the legal team and not a message machine. You can also Live Chat with an expert who can immediately began helping you with your claim.
