Single-Car Wreck on Highway 44
On the afternoon of August 22, 2021, a Westwood, California woman was killed in a single-vehicle collision on Highway 44 near milepost marker 12.42.
Details of the Deadly Crash
According to a statement released by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the tragic incident occurred at around 3:26 p.m. when the 43-year-old woman was at the wheel of her 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe. She was traveling west on Highway 44 when, for unknown reasons, she allowed the Tahoe to exit the road and travel onto the dirt shoulder. The SUV then veered from the shoulder back into the westbound lane before again veering onto the dirt shoulder.
The CHP report indicated that the driver then lost control of the Tahoe, which began to roll several times. It ultimately came to rest partially within the eastbound lane of Highway 44. She had been properly restrained by her seatbelt, however, she still sustained fatal injuries in the crash. There were no other vehicles involved in the incident.
Multiple Agencies Responded to the Scene
The scene was attended by various agencies to assist with the collision and control traffic. The responding agencies were:
- Lassen County Sheriff’s Office
- CalFire-Susanville
- Lassen National Forest Fire Crew 383
- Shasta County Fire
- The Law Enforcement Division of the United States Forest Service
Continuing Incident Investigation by the CHP
The investigation into the cause of the fatal accident continues and is being handled by the Susanville Area Office of the CHP. Anyone with information or who witnessed events leading to the crash is asked to call Officer Peterson at (530) 252-1900.
Loss of Vehicle Control
There are a number of situations that can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle. Loss of vehicle control is terrifying. There are a few things you should do if you start to feel like you are losing control of your vehicle.
- Keep both hands on the steering wheel. Sometimes when panic sets in, a driver may let go of the steering wheel. Refrain from doing this. The second you regain control of the vehicle, you will want to be able to steer.
- Don’t panic. This is easier said than done. Stay as calm as you can. Visualizing in advance what you will do in such a situation can help you avoid panicking if it ever does occur.
- Do not close your eyes. This is another potential effect of panicking – closing your eyes. Again, as soon as you regain vehicle control, you will want all your faculties about you.
- Shift into neutral gear. This will eliminate power going to the wheels.
- Gently steer in the direction of the skid. Subtly steer in the direction that the rear of your vehicle is attempting to go. This is usually the best way to regain control. The goal is to slow down the car, not necessarily to stop it altogether.
- Check your surroundings. Once your vehicle has stopped moving of its own volition, guide it to a safe area. If your car is damaged in any way and you need to exit, make sure you are well away from any traffic or other dangers before you get out.
Watch the YouTube video. The clip below offers tips for regaining control of a vehicle that has lost traction.
Susanville Wrongful Death Lawyer
Hello, and thank you for reading our report on this Highway 44 tragedy. I’m Ed Smith, a Susanville wrongful death lawyer. If you have been injured or have lost a loved one in an automobile accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence, please give our compassionate injury lawyers a call. Our law firm has been advocating for Northern Californians for decades, and we can help protect your legal rights and maximize the value of your claims. For free and friendly advice, call us at (530) 392-9400 or (800) 404-5400.
We have posted the results of some of our cases on our settlements and verdicts page. Client reviews can be found on the following sites:
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