August 29, 2011
A disabled Ford Taurus in the left-hand lane of Interstate 95 in Richmond lead to a three-vehicle crash last Thursday, fatally injuring two motorcyclists. The Taurus attempted to get off the highway, but could not entirely get out of the left lane of traffic. A Chevrolet Impala, also in the left lane, was able to stop behind the Taurus, but the third vehicle, a Harley motorcycle was not. The motorcycle rear-ended the Impala, ejecting both the driver of the motorcycle and his passenger.
In 2010, Virginia roadways, including I-95, saw over 700 Virginians killed in motor vehicle accidents, including drivers, passengers and pedestrians according to the Virginia Highway Safety Office. Over 4500 car crashes occurred in Richmond alone, resulting in 15 deaths and over 2500 injuries.
Common Causes of Virginia Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are among the top 15 most common causes of death in Virginia. Although there is no indication that alcohol was a factor in the fatal motorcycle crash on I-95, alcohol played a role in over 37 percent of all crash-related fatalities in Virginia last year.
Other common causes of Virginia motor vehicle accidents include:
- Distracted or inattentive driving
- Exceeding the posted speed limit
- Failing to obey traffic signals, including stop signs and red lights
- Poor weather conditions
- Defective vehicle parts
- Inexperienced/teen drivers
- Driver fatigue
Regardless of the cause of the crash, motor vehicle accidents can have devastating consequences. The sudden impact of one vehicle hitting another can cause bruising, broken bones, spinal cord and head injury, burns and even death. The steps you take after being injured in a car accident should include moving to a safe place if possible, calling for emergency assistance and seeking necessary medical treatment.
Source: Two Killed In I-95 Crash In Richmond