2018 is off to a rough start for Kansas City motorists. The highway death toll continues to rise in the early weeks of the new year. News reports are alarming for so early in the year, with one highway fatality after another. Here’s just a quick snapshot of serious accidents in the first two weeks of the new year.
January 1, 2018
According to reporting by the Kansas City Star, just about four hours into 2018, a motorist lost control of a vehicle on Grandview Road, striking a utility pole then a tree, before catching fire. The driver died on scene. The report suggests the driver was not wearing a seatbelt.
January 5, 2018
Just five days later, another serious fatality occurred while a driver was travelling northbound on Grandview Road. This accident happened when the vehicle left the roadway and rolled over. According the Kansas City Star, the passenger died from her injuries, and the driver suffered serious injuries that required hospitalization. Speed and distractions may be partly responsible for the crash.
January 8, 2018
Fox News reported yet another fatality – this time on K-7 near Bonner Springs. The wreck took place when a motorist in a pickup truck crossed the centerline, striking another vehicle. The driver of the truck appears to have been ejected. This suggests that no seatbelt was used. He died from his injuries.
January 10, 2018
Reports says that a woman suffered life-threatening injuries when she struck a guardrail around 3:00 a.m. on January 10. To make matters worse, a pickup truck then struck her from behind, sending her to the hospital.
January 11, 2018
In a strange set of events, two auto crashes resulted in the death of a 22-year-old woman on I-35. According to reports by the Wichita Eagle, the accidents happened around 8:00 p.m., when two vehicles collided, and two individuals fled the scene. The remaining driver got out of her car, and another vehicle struck her vehicle, causing her to be hit by her own car. Two were arrested, and one person is dead.
Accidents Highlight the Importance of Paying Attention
While the events of the first two weeks of 2018 are tragic, they certainly highlight several factors that create dangers on the road. It’s worth taking a moment to consider these three key safety reminders:
Don’t Drive Distracted
Especially in bad weather and at night, you have to be aware of your surroundings. There is no reason why a vehicle should leave the roadway and have a single-vehicle collision, provided the driver is attentive and travelling at a safe speed for conditions.
Wear a Seatbelt
As can be seen in at least two of these fatal crashes, seatbelts are critical for staying alive in a serious collision. According to research published in the Journal of Accident Analysis and Prevention, you are up to eight times more likely to die from a crash if you are not wearing a seatbelt.
Watch Out for Bad Weather
When roads are bad, stay home if you can. If you must be on the road, stay alert, stay focused, and stay sober.
Get Help for Your Injuries
If a negligent and careless driver hurts you or someone you love, call the attorneys of the Krause & Kinsman Law Firm today. You have a right to be compensated for your injuries, and that includes the right to collect for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Don’t let the insurance company tell you your rights; get experienced and personalized legal help now. Call or visit the firm online to get your free consultation today.
