A fatal Irvine accident involving a box truck and an SUV is another unfortunate example of the dangers of intersections for all Orange County drivers. Witnesses at the scene noted the SUV had stopped at a stop sign before making a left turn. The SUV pulled out in front of an oncoming box truck which struck the SUV at speed. Authorities believe the truck had the right-of-way as there was no stop sign for the approaching truck.
Unfortunately two occupants of the SUV lost their lives and a third was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.
The California Highway Patrol’s accident and injury data for the past several years show a sharp increase in the number of motor vehicle accidents resulting in injury at intersections. These accidents expose the side panels of cars where there is much less protection for a vehicle’s occupants. The resulting G forces associated with a side impact snap the body in many different directions in fractions of a second. This often results in serious injuries to the back and neck, as well as an increased likelihood of head trauma and Traumatic Brain Injury or TBI.
The Law Firm of Rivers Morrell encourages all drivers to increase their focus and attention when approaching an intersection – even if you have the right of way. There are many reasons why other drivers may become distracted and pull into your path, or hit your vehicle in the side as you move through the intersection. The increasing number of distracted driving accidents involving cell phone use as well as bright sunlight and other visibility inhibitors can make intersections a hazardous place for any driver.
The recent fatal Irvine accident involving a box truck and an SUV remind all of us to be aware of the risks associated with car accidents in local intersections. Slow down, and take an extra look in each direction as you approach and enter an intersection. The additional caution may save you from a life changing injury or the loss of your life or that of the loved ones in your vehicle.
