Exit Ramp Accident on State Route 99
I’m Ed Smith, a car accident lawyer in Sacramento. A single-vehicle exit ramp accident occurred on April 23 along California State Route 99 northbound when a driver, attempting to leave the highway on the ramp, lost control and ended up in a ditch. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the accident resulted in injury, and an ambulance was dispatched to the scene.
What Happened?
The crash occurred shortly after 11:00 a.m. along SR 99 at the East 47th Avenue exit ramp when a Ford Fusion spun out of control and overturned. The vehicle ended up on the right-hand side of the road, lying on its roof. There is no word at this time about the extent of the injuries. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the accident. It is not certain if the vehicle had been speeding before the driver lost control or if drugs and alcohol were involved.
Accidents on Ramps
In a recent study of ramp-related accidents, it was found that half occurred on exit ramps, while 36 percent happen on entrance ramps with the remainder taking place on connector roads. Three types of accidents figured prominently: Run-off road, sideswipe, and rear-end crashes. Of the three, run-off-road accidents were most closely associated with exit-ramp events. The design of the ramp affects accident probability. For example, adjusting the curve radius can cut down on the number of accidents as can reducing the speed limit on the ramp. The use of speed cameras can assist in making sure the speed limits are adhered to.
Why Cars Spin Out of Control
Losing control of your vehicle and entering a spin is a frightening experience. Besides terrifying the driver, others in the path of the car have reason to be fearful themselves. There are several common reasons motorists lose control. They are:
- Driving too fast for roadway conditions is a surefire way of losing control. This is particularly evident on slick roads.
- A tire blowout can make it impossible to regain control due to loss of traction.
- Road defects, such as potholes, can cause a vehicle to spin out of control.
- Braking too hard on icy or wet roads can cause a car to slide or fishtail.
- Loss of control can also be caused by auto defects or mechanical failure of the brakes or accelerator.
What Can be Done to Regain Control
It may seem as if there is nothing that can be done to regain control when in a spin, but there are a few maneuvers that might work. Let’s look at some common out-of-control situations and what can be done.
- Brake failure: Loss of braking power can happen due to a defect, loss of brake fluid or problems with the brake pads. In such cases, the brakes do not work, and the vehicle will not stop. One way to stop the car without the brakes is to downshift to lower gears. While this might cause problems for the transmission, it should help stop the vehicle before a collision occurs. It is also possible to use the emergency brake, but this is not as effective.
- Wet Roads: Traveling on a wet road, particularly in areas where periods of rain and drought occur, is dangerous due to the oil buildup on the road. Under these circumstances, drive slowly, and do not stop suddenly. Hydroplaning is another reason cars go out of control. This entails a sudden rain that deposits a layer of water on the road. Instead of gripping the road, the vehicle’s tires are riding on this water layer. Neither the brakes nor steering wheel will work correctly. When this happens, it is best to withdraw pressure on the accelerator, and keep the steering wheel straight if possible. If you must apply pressure to the brakes, do so gently.
Sacramento Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a car accident lawyer in Sacramento. If you have been in an accident with a negligent driver, you need legal help. You can call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice.
I’m a member of the Million Dollar Forum, a group of trial attorneys who have obtained verdicts in excess of 1 Million Dollars for a past client.
When you need an attorney, you need to find out about his or her practice quickly. Find out about mine by going to the following pages.
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