The Capital City Freeway was closed early Monday morning as a car accident resulted in one man dying and two others being injured in the crash.
CHP reported that a Honda Accord was heading northbound in the passing lane of the freeway when it crashed into the center wall.
Another driver witnessed the accident and then pulled over on the right-hand shoulder, just north of E Street. He ran into the freeway to try to help the driver when an approaching vehicle struck both men who were standing near the car.
The driver of the car was killed and the man helping was injured in the second crash. The driver of the car that hit them suffered minor injuries.
Minutes after the first crash, another SUV was involved in a minor collision with a U.S. Postal truck.
The causes of the collisions remain under investigation. Officers are unsure if drugs or alcohol were a factor.
What to do if a car accident happens around you
If you witness a car accident, your first instinct will probably be to try to help the person because you’re right there. You should only do this if you don’t put yourself or others in danger—especially if it is late at night. Immediately call 911 and alert them that an accident occurred and you need help. If you’re not able to reach them safely to determine the extent of their injuries, explain to them what happened and where the car is located.
Make sure that you wait until authorities arrive to give them a statement and provide your contact information to the officer. The information you provide could be critical to the car accident victim’s injury claim. While making sure the health and safety of the victim is the top priority, you could be an important part to their recovery if you witnessed something that is at dispute like a green or red light.
Safety tips for driving at night?
Driving at night is more dangerous. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, fatal accidents are three times more likely to happen at night than in the daytime. When it is dark, you can see less of the road and have less reaction time to stop if something is in front of you. Also, certain kinds of glare can actually add to the sight problem.
Here are a few tips to help reduce the risk of driving at night:
1. Make sure to be extra defensive. Drinking and driving is more common at night as people are leaving bars and restaurants. Fatal crashes involving alcohol are four times more likely at night than in the day.
2. Combat fatigue. Drowsy-driving crashes happen between midnight and 6:00 a.m. according to NHTSA. Be aware at these hours if you’re on the road that there may be drowsy drivers and keep yourself alert. It may be best to pull over and get some rest or stop for the night if you can.
3. Clear view. A dirty or cracked windshield can increase the effects of glare.
4. Avoid two-lane highways. These can be the worst for glare because of oncoming traffic.
5. Slow down. 37% of nighttime driving fatalities are speeding-related. Headlights on average shine about 160 feet in front of your car. However, even at 40 mph, you need 190 feet to stop. This gives very limited reaction time to avoid something or stop.
Our firm offers free case evaluations for all types of vehicle accidents. We can be reached at (916) 619-5452 or you can fill out a form on our website and we will get in contact with you.
