2 Killed, 3 Injured in Head-on Crash in Bradenton
Passing vehicles is like a science. You need enough speed and space to maneuver in front of a vehicle that may already be traveling at high speeds. When passing is done improperly, it can lead to fatal accidents.
This was recently the case in Manatee County. An attempt to pass caused a head-on crash, killing two people and injuring three others. The fatal crash occurred on the evening of December 14.
A 31-year-old man from Bradenton was traveling on State Road 70, near Betts Road, when he attempted to overtake a vehicle in the westbound lane. At the same time, a pickup truck was heading east. The two vehicles collided, with the front of the SUV hitting the pickup truck.
The driver of the pickup truck, a 47-year-old from Arcadia, and the passenger from the SUV, a 56-year-old Bradenton man, both died at the accident scene. The driver of the SUV suffered serious injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Two additional passengers in the SUV, a 57-year-old woman and a 34-year-old man, suffered minor injuries. Both were from Bradenton.
The crash is still under investigation. No criminal charges have been reported in relation to the accident at this time.
Dangers of Passing Vehicles
Passing other vehicles on the road can be a risky maneuver if not done carefully. Here are some dangers associated with drivers passing other vehicles:
- Reduced visibility. Drivers may misjudge the distance or speed of oncoming vehicles on two-lane roads. Other vehicles, especially large trucks or buses, can block your view of oncoming traffic or obstacles.
- Misjudging speed or distance. Drivers may underestimate the time needed to overtake safely, leading to head-on collisions or near misses.
- Limited space. Narrow roads, curves, or hills can make passing dangerous because of reduced space and visibility.
- Sudden movements by other drivers. The vehicle being passed might accelerate or swerve unexpectedly, causing a collision. Oncoming drivers might not anticipate the overtaking maneuver and fail to adjust.
- Distraction or fatigue. A distracted or fatigued driver may not notice hazards, increasing the likelihood of a crash during a passing attempt.
- Weather or road conditions. Rain, snow, fog, or slippery roads can reduce traction and visibility, making passing risky
- High speeds. Passing often involves accelerating, which can increase the severity of accidents if something goes wrong.
- Failure to use signals. Not signaling can confuse other drivers, leading to miscommunication and potential accidents.
- Driving in no-passing zones. Attempting to pass in areas marked as “No Passing” increases the risk of accidents. These zones may be found near curves, intersections, or hills.
Contact Us Today
Head-on crashes are often deadly in nature. The force involved can cause significant damage and injuries.
In a crash? A Bradenton car accident lawyer from Cahall Law Firm can assist you. We prevent you from saying or doing something that could jeopardize your case. Get started today. Fill out the online form or call (941) 281-2019 to schedule a consultation.
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