A police officer from Cleburne was honored with the Star of Texas award. He was injured when responding to a call. His vehicle ended up being involved in a wreck that involved several other vehicles, as well, leaving the officer with injuries serious enough to land him in the ER. The award was presented by Governor Rick Perry.
Dangerous Collisions
Multi car collisions are among the most dangerous that you can be involved in. The initial collision is dangerous enough, of course, but there are some hazards related to these collisions that you won’t find in one- or two-car accidents.
Getting Out
Among the most dangerous aspects of these collisions is being struck after you’ve gotten out of your car to see what happened. Being slammed into by another car when you’re in your vehicle is dangerous enough. When you don’t have tons of glass and steel protecting you, however, you’re in far greater danger of being hurt or killed by a vehicle. If you have to get out of your vehicle, be very careful about it. If you have warning devices such as triangles, use them to warn other drivers. Flares are not generally recommended due to the fire hazard that they pose.
Unexpected Collisions
There is also a danger that a simple fender bender can turn into a multi-car pileup because of other drivers not seeing the accident or because they are simply negligent. These drivers may approach too fast and not be able to stop in time to avoid a car that they didn’t see or they may not even notice the accident if they are drunk or distracted.
Avoiding the Dangers
There is really little you can do to avoid danger if you’re on the side of an interstate or highway, but you can minimize the risk. Make sure that, if possible, you clear off of the road so that you’re not sitting in the flow of traffic. If you can flag the accident, do so. If your hazard lights or other lights still work, turn them on so that drivers have less of a chance of not noticing the wreck.
When you have to get out of the car, be extra cautious. Make sure there’s no traffic coming and, if it’s safe to move someone, be sure you get them clear of the lane so that they’re not in danger of being run over.
