Around this time last year, WVLT Channel 8 News reported on an accident that occurred right here in our beloved hometown. According to WVLT and police reports from the accident, the metal skirt on a truck had come loose and promptly flew across the road, killing the driver in a nearby vehicle instantly.
The driver was heading West on I-40 when an object (since identified as the metal skirt) hit the side of his car. While this is a tragedy for the driver and his loved ones, others on the road that day may have the passenger to thank for their safety.
Reportedly, the passenger in the car was able to maneuver quickly and get the vehicle to the side of the road. A Knoxville police officer on scene that day noted that this was actually a great reaction, saying “the passenger fortunately did a great thing by moving quickly, getting that vehicle up the ramp, and getting it to a stop.”
You may be wondering… why are we sharing this news? In everything we do, we strive to keep you safe on the road. Our team at G3 Help Me is dedicated to staying on top of road hazards that can lead to devastating accidents and trying times for victims and their loved ones.
That being said, here are a few important tips for staying safe on the road and avoiding an accident like this…
According to the above sources, the driver killed in this accident likely never saw it coming. Because the metal skirt came at the vehicle from the side, there’s a good chance nothing could have been done to avoid this accident. However, that’s not always the case…
More often than not, accidents can be avoided with a little extra caution on the road. Next time you’re out driving, take note of the types of vehicles around you— not just in front and back, but to the left and right as well.
When making note of the vehicles around you, ask yourself a few important questions… Are they larger? Are they too close for comfort? Could something on the vehicle cause serious damage if the worst were to happen?
If the answer to any of these questions is ‘yes’, go with your gut and remove yourself from a potentially dangerous situation by switching lanes or slowing down to give them extra room on the road. When it comes to your safety and the safety of those around us, it never hurts to be safe, rather than sorry.
One of the most valuable lessons we can learn from this tragic accident is preparedness. In this case, that meant being prepared to promptly handle an emergency situation. We understand that sometimes, you just can’t divert a situation like this. That’s why they’re called accidents, after all. But there are steps you can take in advance to help ensure you are as safe as possible on the road, whether you’re the driver or a passenger.
There are many situations in which this tip could prove to be life-saving. For example, poorly-lit roads, bad weather, high-traffic areas, and narrow roads are only a few common causes of accidents. As a passenger, if you’re in a vehicle and experience any of these road conditions, it can be just as important for you to make note of your surroundings as the driver.
The takeaway here? Don’t be afraid to speak up if you see a potentially hazardous situation on the road and always try your best to be prepared for a quick (yet calm) reaction should a worst-case scenario happen.
From all of us at G3 Help Me Law, we hope those involved in this tragic accident and their loved ones find peace of mind. We also hope that sharing this story and a few quick tips provides drivers and passengers everywhere with a new outlook on road safety. When we work together to understand the cause of an accident, we can better understand how to prevent it moving forward.
Are you looking for help after an accident? We’re here to help.
Give us a call at (865) 658-4012 to schedule your free, confidential case evaluation today.
— Turner Howard & Team, G3 Help Me Law
After spending his secondary years of study at The McCallie School in Chattanooga, G Turner Howard III earned his BA at Tulane University. A member of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association, he received his law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law. Before becoming an attorney, he earned a Master’s and Doctor of Divinity at Andrews Theological Seminary and Columbia Theological Seminary. He also served as a 1st Lieutenant in the US Army in Vietnam. With more than 20 years of experience, his firm has helped clients receive millions of dollars for personal injury, and in many cases, much faster than they ever expected.
