Truck Driver Killed in Head-On Accident
A truck accident in Merced County killed one man on Tuesday, September 14, in a head-on crash. There is no word why the accident happened or whether drugs or alcohol were involved.
Details of the Crash
According to the California Highway Patrol, a Delhi man, driving a Dodge Ram on Bradbury Road, slammed into a big rig head-on. The 1998 Ram moved into the semi’s path and could not maneuver away before crashing.
Officials said Russell Robinson was trapped in his vehicle, and rescue efforts were necessary to extricate him. An air ambulance transported Mr. Robinson to a medical center in Modesto for treatment. Authorities announced he died at the hospital. At this time, there was no further information about the nature of his injuries.
Accidents in Rural Areas
In 2015, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 32,719 fatalities in both urban and rural areas. Fifty-three percent or 15,998 of car accidents happened in rural areas. Out of these crashes, 17,696 deaths or 54 percent of all the fatalities also occurred in rural areas. Since only 19 percent of the country’s population live in rural areas, the fact that 54 percent of all traffic fatalities occurred there is concerning, although the number of deaths in rural areas has decreased by 30 percent.
When Do Rural Crashes Happen?
Studies have shown that the timing of rural crashes was almost evenly distributed between daytime and nighttime hours by 52 percent to 46 percent. The 8,293 crashes during the day occurred most often from six in the morning to 5:59 in the evening, while 7,439 crashes occurred from 6:00 in the evening to 5:59 in the morning.
Of nighttime crashes, 91 percent happened on dark roads. Nine percent of rural crashes occurred on streets lit by street lamps. Only two percent were considered a hit and run crash, and 61 percent of accidents happened on roads considered to be straight. Thirteen percent of fatal crashes were head-on collisions.
Alcohol Use in Rural Crashes
Thirty-one percent of driving fatalities in rural areas in 2013 involved drivers who had a blood alcohol concentration level above 0.08, which is the legal limit. Thirty-three percent were 20 to 24, while the least number of fatalities due to drunk drivers is in the 35 to 44 age range.
Seat Belt Use in Rural Drivers
Eighty-five percent of rural drivers used seat belts, according to the National Occupant Protection Use Survey for 2013. Of the 13,038 people killed in rural areas, 51 percent did not use car restraints. In addition, 64 percent of those killed in pickups on rural roads did not use restraints.
Head-On Crashes
Rural areas have more head-on crashes than urban areas. In fact, they make up 13 percent of all fatal crashes in rural areas. By contrast, head-on crashes are responsible for only seven percent of fatal crashes in urban areas. Due to the weight and size of a big rig, truck accidents involving a head-on crash most often end in death for the passenger vehicle.
Related Articles by Merced Truck Accident Lawyer Ed Smith
- Why Should I Have the Edward A Smith Law Offices Represent Me?
- Do I Have a Time Limit in Which to Bring a Claim?
- Do I Have to Go to Court to Receive a Settlement for My Injuries?
Merced Truck Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Merced truck accident lawyer. When you are injured by the negligence of another or if a family member has died, you need the legal help a truck accident injury lawyer can offer. Truck accidents are complex, and experience is an important factor in making sure you will obtain the compensation you deserve or the financial help your family needs. If you are looking for a seasoned attorney, call me at (209) 227-1931 for friendly advice that is free of charge. When you are outside the calling area but need to reach me, call (800) 404-5400.
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Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/crash-test-frontal-collision-1620603/
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