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[/profileleft]Approximately 3,000 people are killed in California car accidents every year. Some of these fatal crashes involve recklessness or aggression on the part of at least one motorist involved. Others are the result of terrible decisions such as getting behind the wheel of a vehicle after consuming alcohol.
There are others, such as the fatal car accident in San Diego County that occurred earlier this week, that seem to be the result of a tragic and unfortunate mistake. The crash led to one death and to three injuries, one of which was described as life-threatening. This terrible situation should remind all of us that overcorrection when driving is a very real danger that occurs more often than most people would think. Below you’ll find a brief description of the crash at issue and some ideas for avoiding this situation.
About the Fatal Car Accident in San Diego County
According to this article that was published by the San Diego Union-Tribune, the crash occurred at approximately 12:20 p.m. on Wednesday. An unidentified 18-year-old woman was driving her Honda Civic in an eastbound direction on Highway 76 near Pauma Valley. As she neared Cole Grade Road, she apparently lost control of her vehicle and swerved onto the gravel that sits along the right side of the highway. She then veered left out of the gravel and into the westbound lanes of the highway and into the paths of three oncoming motorcycles.
One motorcyclist managed to avoid hitting the Honda and escaped the situation unharmed. A second motorcyclist also managed to avoid hitting the oncoming vehicle, but the unidentified man’s motorcycle overturned and he was thrown from it. He suffered what were described as moderate to major injuries. The third motorcyclist collided with the Honda and was killed. The driver of the Honda suffered a broken arm. Her passenger in the Honda, an unidentified male, suffered life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to a hospital. Police are investigating the situation, but the Honda driver is not suspected of being under the influence of an intoxicant.
About Overcorrection Errors
First, we’d like to offer our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of the person who was killed, and we hope that everyone who was injured is able to make fast and full recoveries. Secondly, if this was an overcorrection error that led to yet another fatal car accident in San Diego County, it will only add to the existing statistics. According to the federal government, more than 1,800 drivers per year are involved in fatal car accidents due to overcorrecting mistakes. That constitutes 4.1 percent of all fatal crashes in the United States.
Below are a few ideas to keep in mind to avoid overcorrection errors:
- Remain calm – While it’s easy to suggest this, remaining as calm as possible while the vehicle veers is critically important.
- Turn straight – A driver should simply try to turn the steering wheel to a straight position while slowing down. This avoids the possibility of veering out of control in the other direction.
- Take your time – Do not rush getting back onto the pavement. Move gradually back onto the road so there is time to recover.
If you have lost someone you love in a car accident in San Diego due to overcorrection or some other error, you also need to evaluate your legal rights and options before dealing with insurance companies. Contact the San Diego car accident lawyers at Gomez Trial Attorneys to schedule a free initial consultation.
