According to WHOTV, a tragic two-vehicle collision on Christmas Eve killed one and sent five others to the hospital. Shortly after 2 p.m., police responded to reports of an accident on NE 72nd Street slightly north of Interstate 80 in Polk County.
Officers determined that a sedan traveling north on NE 72nd street veered into oncoming traffic before striking a southbound SUV head-on, resulting in the fatal collision. Authorities pronounced the passenger in the sedan dead at the scene.
Responders transported the driver of the sedan and the four occupants of the SUV to a local hospital for treatment. It is unclear how severe their injuries are. Officers are not sure if road conditions contributed to the collision, which remains under investigation.
If you sustained serious injuries or lost a loved one in a head-on collision, turn to Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC. Your family may be entitled to compensation for the damages you have incurred as a result of the accident. Call 319-393-1020 to schedule a free case evaluation with a compassionate injury attorney in Cedar Rapids.
How Can Motorists Maintain Control of Their Vehicles When Driving in Snow?
Head-on collisions, which often occur when a motorist loses control of his or her vehicle and veers into oncoming traffic, are common in the wintertime because of poor road conditions. Snow, ice, and freezing rain can lead to skidding and hydroplaning, which can result in catastrophic accidents.
In states like Iowa, where snow is common during the winter months, motorists need to exercise caution when road conditions are poor. For example, they may need to travel much slower than the posted limit and avoid icy hills even if their vehicle has four-wheel drive. Read on for a few more safe driving tips to keep in mind this holiday season:
- Avoid Tailgating
When the road is slick with ice or snow, vehicles require significantly more stopping distance. For this reason, it is essential to avoid traveling too closely behind the cars ahead of you. Give yourself at least six seconds of braking distance, and keep an eye out for stop signs, traffic signals, and sharp curves up ahead so you have plenty of time to respond.
- Do Not Use Cruise Control
If you are traveling hundreds of miles to spend Christmas or New Year’s with loved ones, you may be planning on using cruise control for most of the trip. When conditions are wet, though, you should avoid doing so because cruise control can make hydroplaning more dangerous.
Even the most advanced systems do not account for slippery pavement. As a result, if you lose traction or start skidding, it will not adjust your speed and may even make the wheels spin faster in certain circumstances. In order to maintain total control of your vehicle, avoid using cruise control when conditions are questionable.
- Maneuver Your Vehicle with Care
Making any sudden maneuvers in traffic can be dangerous when the roads are slick. When it snows, you should always try to accelerate and decelerate slowly because slamming on the brakes can lead to skidding. Likewise, use care when changing lanes and turning, and try not to cut anyone off because even if you are exercising caution, there is no guarantee that everyone around you is, too.
Unfortunately, you can follow all of the above tips when driving in the snow and still end up in a devastating collision. If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a car accident with a reckless driver who did not adjust his or her speed for the road conditions, turn to Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC.
Our legal team has the experience, dedication, and financial resources to go up against even the biggest insurance agencies. Call 319-393-1020 to schedule a free consultation with an accident lawyer in Cedar Rapids. If you want to learn more about wrongful death claims in Iowa, visit USAttorneys.com.
