Posted in Car Accident,Personal Injury on December 22, 2016
Fatality Reported after Head-On Collision in Maury County
Two vehicles collided head-on in Maury County early Friday, resulting in the death of the driver of one of the vehicles.
Per a report by WKRN.com, the crash occurred just before 7 a.m. on Highway 431 near Bear Creek Pike. The accident caused police and other emergency responders to close the highway between Bear Creek and Kedron Road.
Tennessee Highway Patrol officials told reporters that the crash occurred when a minivan was traveling southbound on Highway 421 and suddenly drifted into the northbound lane, striking a pickup truck head-on.
A THP trooper told reporters that the crash produced a “violent impact” and that the driver of the van was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the pickup truck was also injured during the accident and was transported to a local hospital to receive treatment for his or her injuries. The truck driver’s current condition or the severity of his or her injuries is unknown.
What Safety Features Can Protect Drivers from or During Head-On Collisions?
Head-on collisions are among the most likely types of car accidents to result in serious injuries or fatalities for drivers and passengers. Statistics show that while head-on collisions account for only two percent of car accidents in the U.S., they account for around 10 percent of all fatal crashes.
These types of accidents frequently occur when a vehicle veers out of its lane and crosses a median or lane divider. They can also occur when vehicles enter roadways heading in the wrong direction.
Vehicles have many safety features that can help drivers avoid head-on collisions or reduce their injury risks if they occur, such as:
High-speed head-on collisions are extremely dangerous for drivers and passengers. One of the biggest risks that victims face during these types of crashes is being ejected from their vehicles through the windshield or side windows. Seat belts hold victims in place and significantly reduce the risk of an ejection—which often results in fatal injuries during all types of accidents.
Modern vehicles are designed to absorb energy in specific places during accidents and to direct it away from occupants. Crumple zones utilize strategically designed “weak points” in vehicle frames that move forces away from the inside of the vehicle to its outer parts. Modern vehicles with crumple zones are significantly safer for occupants during all types of crashes—including head-on collisions—than older vehicles that weren’t designed with this safety feature.
Even when drivers and passengers are buckled up and driving cars with crumple zones, they’re still at risk of serious injuries during head-on collisions due to violent and forceful impacts with the steering wheel, dashboard, windshield, and the seats in front of them. Airbags are designed to cushion these impacts and protect victims from high-speed and high-velocity impacts.
Head rests aren’t just designed to increase driver and passenger comfort—they’re also created to improve safety. Head rests help prevent whiplash during all types of accidents, including head-on collisions.
A head-on collision can occur in a matter of seconds when a distracted, fatigued, or inattentive driver looks away from the roadway and his vehicle drifts into the path of oncoming traffic. Many new vehicles are equipped with lane departure warning systems, which alert drivers that their vehicles are drifting via a visual, audio, or tactile alert. These warning systems utilize video sensors, laser sensors, and infrared sensors to detect a vehicle’s movement outside of its lane.
Although all types of car accidents can result in serious and life-threatening injuries, drivers should do everything in their power to avoid and reduce the risks of head-on collisions. In addition to utilizing all the safety features that their vehicles are equipped with, drivers should also take care to avoid distractions, never drive while under the influence, and be extra cautious when driving in areas with one-way streets or interstate on-ramps and exits.
If you or someone you know was hurt in a head-on collision that was caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be eligible to pursue a claim for compensation. The Nashville auto accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law know that head-on collision victims like you are often too hurt to go back to work, and we know how to build claims that maximize the chances of getting money for things like lost wages and medical bills.
Contact us today by dialing (615) 200-1111 or completing a free online consultation form to find out how we can assist your family.
