One Woman Dead After Missouri Truck Accident
A lane closed for construction on Interstate 70 caused traffic congestion and, allegedly, a three-vehicle truck crash in Columbia, Missouri that killed one woman. The accident occurred when a tractor-trailer stopped due to congested traffic because construction crews were paving the road and closed a lane on the interstate. A woman, hauling a flat-bed trailer, swerved and rear-ended the trailer on the interstate; she died at the scene.
Another pickup truck swerved to avoid the Missourit Truck wreck and struck the rear of the decedent's trailer, becoming wedged between the median divider and the semi. Debris was left across all three lanes of the highway.
The Missouri Department of Transportation suggests following the three "S's" to manage work zones and road construction safely. Speed, Space and Stress.
MANAGE YOUR SPEED
-Slow Down when approaching all work zones. You will be in the work zone quicker than you think.
-Follow Posted Speed Limits, especially within construction zones, and try to maintain a consistent speed with the traffic flow. And adjust your speed for weather conditions.
-Don't Resume Normal Speed until you see roadway signs indicating it's safe to do so.
MANAGE YOUR SPACE:
-Leave Room. Leave adequate braking room between your vehicle and the one ahead of you. Count out at least two seconds from the time the car ahead of you passes an object and the time your own car passes that object. Also, keep a safe distance between your vehicle and traffic barriers, trucks, construction equipment and workers.
-Don't Pass on the Shoulder. Don't drive across the median. This creates a very dangerous situation for you, construction workers and other motorists -- not to mention the steep fine.
-Leave Yourself an Out. When stopped in traffic, leave a safety zone between you and the vehicle in front of you. A good rule of thumb is that when stopped in traffic you should be able to see the bottom of the tires of the vehicle in front of you.
-Watch Out for Tailgaters. Do not force tailgaters to back off by slamming on your brakes or reducing your speed significantly. This practice can lead to road rage and increases the chances of a St. Louis Truck collision. When possible, pull over and let them pass. If this is not possible, turn your headlights on and off several times during daylight hours to illuminate your tail lights and warn tailgaters they are too close. If at night, lightly tap your brake pedal to illuminate your brake lights.
MANAGE YOUR STRESS:
-Keep Your Cool. Calm down and don't rush. Remember, the temporary inconvenience of a construction zone will pay off with greatly improved roads soon.
-Pay Attention. Avoid cell phone or radio distractions, as well as those of other stopped cars or construction.
-Expect Delays. Use the MoDOT Work Zone map and other available information to keep yourself informed about construction on your route. Leave a bit earlier, if necessary, to arrive at your destination on time. Consider using an alternate route that bypasses the construction zones.
In the unfortunate event that you are involved in a Missouri Auto accident and need an experienced personal injury attorney, I am happy to discuss your case with you and answer any questions you may have. If requested, I will immediately alert our accident investigation team and immediately take action in your defense.
The call and consultation are free. I can be reached 24 hours a day at 314.322.8515 or toll free at 1.800.500.INJURY (4658). Call me personally and I will answer all the questions and concerns you may have. There is no fee unless we recover for you.
If you don't want to call or you can't call, you can email me at john@pagecagle.com. I look forward to speaking with you and helping you through these trying times. You can also visit my website, www.MissouriTractorTrailerCrash.com for more information.
