Vehicles Hit Center Divide in Interstate 5 Accident in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. An accident in South Sacramento on Sunday, June 24, 2018, caused two vehicles to crash into the center divide along northbound Interstate 5, causing an injury. One of the parties to the accident stated that a big rig was coming into her lane, forcing her to make an evasive maneuver. This, she contended, led to the crash. No information was released on whether the big rig was stopped or stayed at the scene following the collision.
What Happened
The collisions occurred around 2:45 in the afternoon along the interstate just south of Cosumnes River Boulevard, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). A Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic both collided with the center divide, causing major front end damage to at least one of the vehicles. The two middle lanes on northbound I-5 were open, while lane three was blocked by one of the vehicles. A tow truck was called to remove at least one of the cars, and emergency medical personnel summoned for a reported injury from the crash.
Aggressive Truck Driving
Truck drivers become aggressive on occasion. When this happens, a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle is no match for the 80,000-pound truck. Sometimes, SUVs and other passenger vehicles will block the passing lane. For a truck driver on a schedule, this might induce aggressive behavior. While this is no excuse for an activity that can cause harm to another person, passenger vehicle drivers should use the left lane only for passing. If a trucker does become aggressive, a driver should not aggravate the situation.
Reasons Why Trucks Might Enter an Opposing Lane
In some instances, big rigs need to enter another lane. This happens most often when the truck is trying to navigate a right or left turn or pass. It is the responsibility of the trucker to ensure that other vehicles are not occupying or moving into the lane before the truck enters it. Likewise, it is important for passenger vehicles seeing a truck make a turn or pass, to give the big rig the room it needs.
What Drivers Can Do to Stay Safe
There are things a driver can do to responsibly react to another vehicle entering their lane:
- Honk your horn, turn on flashers and blink your lights, especially at dusk or when it’s dark if a wrong way vehicle is heading straight for you. Decide where you can go and do it. Staring at the oncoming vehicle does not work.
- If someone cuts in front of you, allow them to do it and slow down. Challenging an aggressive driver rarely works out.
- Passing other vehicles should be done only if necessary. Signal ahead of time, giving the vehicle fair notice.
- When a vehicle is trying to pass your car, check for traffic, and slow down if possible. This should give the passing vehicle ample time and space to pass.
- Never cut in front of a truck. The truck driver is not able to slow down the way you can, and you might end up with a rear end accident on your hands.
- Stay focused on the road since distracted driving makes it more likely accidents will happen. Anticipating what other drivers will do helps you be prepared. For instance, if you see that traffic is slowing down ahead, it is better to decrease speed in preparation.
Sacramento Car Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. Despite driving prudently, there are times when other drivers negligently cause an accident. When this happens, an experienced attorney can help assure that you receive the compensation you need and deserve. You can call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for friendly and free advice. It is also possible to contact me online if that is more convenient for you.
I’ve helped residents of Sacramento and the wider Northern California area for 36 years with all types of accidents.
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