Indiana Traffic Safety Watch: Two Killed Helping Disabled Vehicle

A newly-married couple departed from their wedding reception and headed back to their hotel when they witnessed another vehicle run into some winter-weather road troubles. According to the Chicago Tribune, the couple saw another vehicle slide off the road and into a ditch. The two parked their vehicle in a nearby driveway and attempted to help the stranded motorist. The new groom walked to the troubled vehicle while his new wife waited in the car. As the groom helped the driver, he and the stranded driver, a local teacher, were hit by three passing vehicles. Both were killed.

The road was not icy, but they were two banks that were piled up along the ditch from snow plow trucks. Officials believe that these banks forced the two closer to the traffic while walking for help. No charges are expected to be filed against drivers involved, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Our Highland car accident lawyers understand that we all have car troubles from time to time. Whether it’s caused by unpredictable weather conditions or a breakdown that leaves you stranded. The key is dealing with these kinds of unfortunate mishaps is to know what to do and how to correct the situation without putting yourself or anyone else in danger.

Disabled Vehicle Safety Tips:

-First things first: get your car off the road. Even when things go seriously wrong, moving vehicles don’t usually stop working entirely, so hopefully, you’ll have some time and momentum to get your car to the side of the road.

-If the engine dies right on the highway and you can’t get off the road, don’t get out of the car! Sitting in a dead vehicle with traffic piling up behind you is unnerving, but attempting to cross a high-speed freeway on foot is suicide.

-Turn on your hazard lights. This warns other drivers that something’s wrong. Keep your hazards on until the car’s safely towed.

-Make sure that passengers keep away from the carriageway and hard shoulder, and that children are kept under control. It is best to retreat up the bank, or behind a barrier if this is possible.

-Wait for assistance to reach you.

-It is inadvisable to walk on an interstate, especially during inclement weather. However, if you can reach a source of help on foot, without jeopardizing your physical or personal safety, try the direct approach by walking. Keep as far from traffic as possible and walk on the right side of the roadway. Never attempt to cross a multi-lane, high speed roadway.

If you see someone stopped on the side of the road and you would like it help, it’s a good idea to stay in your vehicle. Pull over as far as you can away from lanes of travel and simply roll down your window. Offer your cell phone or offer to call for help for them. The last thing you want to do is get out of your vehicle and allow yourself to become a walking target for passing vehicles. Report all broken down or disabled vehicles to law enforcement officials in the area.

Attorney Burton A. Padove represents accident victims. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, call (219) 836-2200 for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.

More Blog Entries:

Steering Clear of Black Ice on Indiana Roadways, Indiana Injury and Family Lawyer Blog, December 1, 2013

Indiana Traffic Safety: Don’t Take That Cruise Control for Granted, Indiana Injury and Family Lawyer Blog, November 20, 2013