Sacramento Car Collision
A Sacramento car collision between two vehicles close to Sacramento International Airport along Interstate 5 resulted in one fatality on November 23, according to authorities. In addition to the fatality, seven other individuals were injured in the accident. Both major and minor injuries were reported, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Investigators assigned to the auto accident said they were originally called to the area because of a report of another vehicle on fire. The car crash resulting in the fatality and numerous injuries was within viewing distance of CHP officers at the time it took place. I would like to extend my sympathy and prayers to the family of those who lost a loved one and those who were injured in this terrible accident.
Details of the Sacramento Car Wreck
The incident happened close to noon along the southbound side of I-5 between the airport and Woodland, according to police. The individual who died in the tragedy was reported as a male somewhere in his 50s, who was a passenger in the back seat of a blue sedan. The other vehicle was reported as a white sedan; however, no makes or models of either vehicle were identified. It is believed by investigators that distracted driving may have played a part in the collision.
Distracted Driving in a Sacramento Car Collision
In short, distracted driving is a reckless behavior that refers to the common practice of operating a motor vehicle while busily engaged in other activities. Such activities can range from texting, which is one of the most dangerous, to eating or talking to another person in the vehicle. Safe motoring requires the driver’s full attention, and multitasking behind the wheel can lead to a Sacramento car collision. For instance, by not focusing on the road ahead, it is easy to be unaware that the vehicle in front has slowed and might be preparing to stop due to changing traffic conditions. This can lead to a rear-end crash with fatal consequences.
The Problem
A leading cause of fatal accidents, distracted driving resulted in almost 3,600 deaths nationwide in the year 2016 along with approximately 350,000 injuries. This translates into nine fatalities daily. In one survey, it was found that approximately 491,000 people in the country were using their cell phones while driving, increasing the potential for car crashes and breaking the law. Teens have the greatest incidence of driving while distracted, and slightly less than 50 percent report driving while distracted, which accounts for about 58 percent of accidents in that age group. Distracted driving accounts for nearly 28 percent of all motor vehicle deaths regardless of age.
Types of Distraction That Can Cause a Sacramento Car Collision
There are basically three types of distraction:
- Cognitive distraction: This type of distraction involves thinking about something else while driving.
- Manual distraction: Removing your hands from the wheel while operating a motor vehicle makes it harder to be in control of your car or truck.
- Visual distraction: Looking at something other than the road ahead can lead to a Sacramento car collision.
Watch the following video, as attorney Ed Smith illustrates the dangers of texting while driving:
Why Is Texting So Dangerous?
Of all reasons to drive distracted, texting is the most common and the most dangerous. One of the reasons is that texting incorporates all three types of distraction. In addition, when reading or sending a text, the driver must take their visual focus off the road for about five seconds. If this happens at a highway speed of 55 mph, the distance the vehicle will travel in that time is equal to the average length of a football field. In normal traffic patterns, this carries the potential for accidents of all kinds, resulting in serious injuries. Psychologically, distracted and drunk driving share the pattern of repeat behavior. In many ways, people are addicted to their phones and continue to use them while driving until an accident occurs.
Best Car Accident Lawyers in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. Whether you have been injured in an accident involving distraction or a family member suffered fatal injuries, you have a right to be compensated for your financial loss. Call me at (916) 921-6400 in Sacramento or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. If it’s easier for you, use my online contact page.
Over the past 36 years, I’ve helped many Sacramento residents obtain the compensation they deserve in wrongful death cases, traumatic brain injuries and a variety of car accidents.
I am a long-standing member of the Million Dollar Advocates. We are a group of trial attorneys who have won more than $1 million for a client.
When retaining an attorney, you need to know about their practice. Read client and peer reviews, and see how I have resolved cases on the following pages:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/driving-cellular-by-typing-sms-844132/; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnUBpU5qGl0
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