Red Bluff I-5 Crash Sends 3 to Hospital

An elderly man crashed into multiple vehicles while maneuvering on Interstate 5 in Red Bluff, California on Friday, August 11.

What Happened?

Edward Strahan, an 80-year-old man from Red Bluff was driving along Interstate 5 in a later model, silver Subaru Forester. He was carrying two passengers also from Red Bluff, 82-year-old Leticia Espinosa and 57-year-old Lauri Strahan. While heading along the freeway just north of Main Street at around 10 a.m., Edward came upon a group of big rig semi-trucks and moved over to pass a particular truck. After passing the big rig he attempted to move back over into the lane he was in previously but had not given himself enough space between the rear of his vehicle and the front of the semi he just passed. Strahan’s Subaru Forester clipped the front corner of the big rig. This caused him to hit another semi-truck which launched the small crossover into a spin. The force of the spinning caused the Subaru to flip onto its side and hit another big rig.

The California Highway Patrol responded to the incident and is handling the investigation. All three occupants of the Forester were treated by emergency responders and taken to the St. Elizabeth Community Hospital less than ten miles away. Both Edward and Lauri Strahan were released shortly afterward while medical professionals took longer to evaluate Leticia Espinosa. None of the truck drivers sustained any injuries during the accident and the CHP discovered they were all residents from other areas. No drugs or alcohol seemed to have been an influence in the accident. Patrol officers did determine that Edward Strahan was at fault but no tickets or citations were issued. All lanes of Interstate 5 were reopened for traffic by 10:45, and normal flow re-established somewhere around 11:00 a.m.

Passing Safely

It can be frustrating to be stuck behind a large semi-truck or a slow moving vehicle while driving down the road but is important to be smart when passing vehicles, especially while traveling at high speeds. Here are some tips to help you stay safe and still be able to get to your destination on time.

Check your surroundings for hazards such as vehicles in front or behind, people or objects on the side of the road, potholes, etc.
Use your blinkers before moving into the passing lane.
Accelerate to the passing speed before entering the passing lane, do not wait to start accelerating until you are in the passing lane, especially if you are on a two-lane road.
Pass the vehicle at a safe speed.
It is courteous and safe to wait until you can see the road surface between the front bumper of the passed car and you while looking in your rear-view mirror. This will give you enough space to merge back over without being too close.
Use your turn signal again as your return to the proper lane.

Red Bluff Truck Accident Lawyer

I’m Ed Smith, a Red Bluff Truck Accident Lawyer. After you or someone you know has been involved in an accident, please call 530-392-9400 or 800-404-5400 for free, friendly legal advice.

I have been practicing law in Red Bluff and Northern California for 35 years. See how my experience has helped my clients in past verdicts and settlements.

Client Reviews:

Yelp
Avvo
Google

I also created autoaccident.com, one of the most informative websites on trucking accidents, car accidents, and personal injury.

I also have a blog with news and educational pieces similar to this one, check out some others I have written.

Additionally, I am included in the forum, milliondollaradvocates.com as an attorney that has won cases of a million dollars or more.

Sources:

http://www.redbluffdailynews.com/general-news/20170811/update-multi-vehicle-crash-sends-3-to-hospital
https://driversed.com/driving-information/driving-techniques/steps-for-successful-passing.aspx
Image Source: By NoeHill – Wikimedia Commons

:tb bw [cs 712] cv

Red Bluff I-5 Crash Sends 3 to Hospital