Recently, we blogged about a study on behalf of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) that reported overall lower occurrences of rollover crashes in recent years. That’s the good news. The bad news is that rollover crashes, unfortunately, still occur in San Diego and throughout the United States.

We must be cautious drivers in light of the increased danger that larger vehicles have when it comes to rollover crashes. The advice follows on the heels of a recent rollover accident that claimed the life of a 32 year old man. According to San Diego 10 News (2/17/2015), the individual tragically died after his vehicle rolled over on an I-805 transition ramp. He was driving a light-duty truck.

Officials say the car accident occurred Feb. 17 around 2:10 a.m. near I-805 South and State Route 94. The vehicle, a 2005 Nissan Frontier, careened into a guardrail for unknown reasons, causing the vehicle to flip over on its side. Another vehicle, a 2005 Toyota Matrix, collided into the rolled vehicle, causing “chunks of concrete” to fall off of the freeway bridge and onto Federal Boulevard just below.

Tragically, the man in the Nissan was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident according to reports. Although the driver in the Toyota fortunately survived, the individual experienced serious injury.

Investigators are determining the exact cause of the accident although alcohol does not appear to be a factor in this case.

REACTING IN AN EMERGENCY

Imagine driving your vehicle on the roadway when all of a sudden you see huge chunks of concrete falling in front of you. You only have a few seconds to react. What do you do?

When it comes to emergency situations, the only way to be prepared is to have a plan and stay focused on the road at all times to ensure you make best use of the few seconds – or split seconds – you may have to react. The truth is that an emergency situation can present itself in many different ways; you never know what the situation will call for which is all the more reason to drive defensively at all times.

SUVs, TRUCKS AND ROLLOVER ACCIDENT PREVENTION

Rollover car accidents can happen to any vehicle but are most common among SUVs, trucks and minivans due to their higher center of gravity and their top-heaviness. In addition to buying a newer vehicle and ensuring that your vehicle is in good repair, you should always drive with caution when it comes to loading your vehicle – whether with people, things or packages strapped to the top of your car. You should always stay within the recommended weight allotment for your vehicle whether its people on board or items carried for the safest possible ride. Also, avoid swerving your large vehicle in an emergency, if possible. The grip of your tires can cause the top-heavy vehicle to topple over.

SLIPPING, SLIDING OR HYDROPLANING

With spring rain and June gloom upon us, the wet weather may also bring dangerous roadways to San Diego. Wet roadways are prone to dangerous conditions such as slipping, sliding or hydroplaning. It occurs when tires are unable to wick away inundating water, resulting in its lost traction. With no traction beneath the tires, the vehicle will slide uncontrollably across the water’s surface. The good news is that you still have your steering wheel; knowing what to do with your steering wheel is crucial. First, don’t panic. Hydroplaning, in most cases, is short-lived. Don’t swerve, either. If you’re in a front wheel vehicle, steer into an open area ahead and push lightly onto the accelerator to advance the vehicle into the desired direction. Rear wheel drive vehicles should likewise steer into an open space if possible and let off the accelerator until you sense that traction is once more gained. In either case, proceed to the shoulder once you gain control to assess your vehicle and your situation, if needed.

RANDOM OR FLYING OBJECTS IN THE ROAD

Flying chunks of concrete, such as in this case, are hopefully rare occurrences. However, other random or flying objects can be common on our roads, especially freeways. People transport things all the time in their truck beds and big rigs are often carrying large, open loads. If an object comes hurling your way, do you know what to do? If you notice the object ahead and you have a few seconds to react, look for an open section of the road and steer carefully into it. Use your mirrors if you can to avoid an accident. If you can use the shoulder safely, do so to avoid the object ahead. Don’t slam on your brakes; this can cause a chain-reaction freeway car accident or cause you to careen off the roadway. If the object is small enough and you simply have no way to move out of its way, attempt to slow your vehicle, if at all possible, and drive over it. Attempt to pass the object through your tires. If you hit the object with your car, be prepared to stop as a tire blowout or other car damage may occur. Use common sense and caution – if the object is just too big, don’t attempt to drive over it. After risk of danger is clear, pull over and call 9-11 to report the emergency and/or the unsafe vehicle that has caused the road debris.

WHEN CAR ACCIDENTS OCCUR

Some emergency situations lead to San Diego car accidents. If you have been injured in an accident and you suspect it was the fault of another person, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Call us today for a FREE consultation, 24/7: 1-858-551-2090. As San Diego’s most trusted car accident attorney law firm, we will ensure your legal rights are completely preserved. Retain us as your car accident lawyers for FREE and file your legal claim today – we don’t collect until we win your case. Call us now.