Child Injury Lawyer Blog
By Mark H. Freedman, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
A two-car crash in Michigan killed five and left others in serious or critical condition. Heather Comstock, 18, her boyfriend, Matthew Kostoe, 18, and Sarina Seger, 18, were driving a Toyota Prius home after attending an annual football game against Michigan State University. While driving home, authorities say, the Prius crossed the median and slammed into an oncoming Chevrolet Blazer, killing two adults and injuring three children. The victims in the SUV were identified as Cythia Skutt, 62, and Alfred King, 56, both from Fremont, Ohio. Another 18-year-old was in Prius who was in critical condition, according to officials. If you would like to read more on this incident please see Crash in Michigan kills five and leaves others seriously or critically injured.
It was not reported in the news article what caused the Prius to cross the median. A full investigation will be conducted by local police and / or the Michigan Highway Patrol as to the details and cause of the accident. The cause of the accident may have been from distracted driving. Then again, it could have been from a mechanical defect in the vehicle. There have been many reported accidents that have been caused by an animal crossing the road. As you can see, there can be a single event or cause of a combination of events that led to this most unfortunate automobile accident.
The deaths of these victims are a tragedy for their families and their community. Automobile-related fatalities happen very frequently.
When an automobile accident takes place, it may be a good opportunity to speak to your children about safe driving. It may also be a good opportunity for you to step back and examine your own driving habits.
To keep roadways safer drivers should always be attentive to their surroundings and keep their focus on the road. Distracted driving occurs everyday and has proven to be fatal. Distracted driving activities include but are not limited to: reading, drinking, eating, grooming, talking to other passengers and talking or texting on the cell phone while driving. Engaging in these activities will take a drivers focus off the road. Parents and guardians should inform their children about the dangers of distracted driving, which will, hopefully, make roadways safer, especially for our youth. Some accidents are caused by distracted driving while others are caused by careless driving. In some instances, there is a mechanical defect that causes the accident. While it would be unrealistic to think that every accident can be avoided, all drivers and owners of vehicles should do their best to avoid activities that are distracting to the task of driving including eating, talking on mobile phones, texting, dealing with child issues, and other activities. In addition, all drivers and owners should bring the vehicle in for routine maintenance and inspection. Finally, while it is well known, drinking and / or drug use affect safe driving. If you are impaired in any way from drugs, alcohol, illness, or just being drowsy, get a ride or have someone else drive your vehicle. Yes, these are basic and well known safety tips but they can also save lives.