Puzzling Events at a Fairfield Gas Station
In the early morning hours of Friday, June 11, 2021, a Fairfield resident suffered fatal injuries when he was struck by a vehicle at a gas station located on Travis Boulevard. The circumstances surrounding the fatal incident have puzzled investigating officers.
According to a statement released by an official from the Solano County Coroner’s Official, the victim was 59-year-old Martin Clifton. The incident took place just prior to 5:20 a.m. A motorist had been filling his truck with gas at the station when it appears that Mr. Clifton positioned himself between the motorist’s truck and a trailer the truck was towing. This was unbeknownst to the truck’s driver. After pumping gas, the motorist drove the truck out of the gas station, and in the process, ran over Mr. Clifton.
Authorities were able to track down the driver, and when questioned, he stated that he was completely unaware that he had struck the man. Investigating officers are not calling this a hit-and-run and have indicated that the motorist is fully cooperating with the investigation, which is still active. The Fairfield Police Department has requested that anyone with any additional details about the odd incident contact their office at (707) 428-7300.
Gas Station Accidents
While the circumstances surrounding this recent accident in Fairfield are very unusual, car accidents that occur at gas stations are quite common. Some reasons that contribute to the danger are:
- There are often convenience stores attached with many walking back and forth in a small, congested area.
- Motorists are often in a hurry when they stop to fill up their vehicles with gas.
- There are obstacles in the gas station lot (gas pump islands and pillars) that affect motorist visibility.
Serious and sometimes fatal crashes have occurred throughout California when pedestrians cross paths with a motorist that is not keeping an adequate lookout while navigating the gas station maze. To add to the danger, pedestrians often do not pay as close attention to their surroundings as they should, instead focused on an item they purchased, or putting their money away as they walk back to their vehicle.
Gas Station Safety Tips
To increase safety in a gas station lot, keep the following in mind:
- Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles when you are filling up.
- Use extreme caution when crossing the gas station lot on foot or while pulling your vehicle away from the pump. Look in all directions before proceeding.
- Drive very slowly as you enter a gas station lot, and at all times while you navigate the area.
- Refrain from using your mobile device while stopped at a gas station – keep your attention on what’s going on around you at all times.
- If you purchased messy food or hot coffee at the gas station’s convenience store, do not consume them while you are driving – either eat/drink while sitting in the lot or when you have arrived at your destination. Motorists can become dangerously distracted by a hot liquid or messy food spill while at the wheel.
- In the evening hours, choose a gas station that is brightly lit for maximum visibility.
- If you have children in the car, make sure they stay in the vehicle, or if they must get out, keep them close to you while walking to/from the store or restroom.
There are other dangers that exist at gas stations. Watch the YouTube video from Inside Edition below.
Fairfield Personal Injury Lawyer
Hello – I’m Ed Smith, a personal injury attorney serving the residents of Fairfield, California. If you have been injured in an accident at a gas station or anywhere else that was caused by another motorist’s negligence, our injury lawyers can help. We have advocated on behalf of injured Fairfield residents for nearly four decades. We also assist families who have lost a loved one in a wrongful death incident. Reach out to us for compassionate, free, and friendly legal advice at (707) 564-1900 or (800) 404-5400.
Photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/petrol-stations-workshop-garage-old-1664615/
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