It is permissible to pass other vehicles in specified certain areas along Missouri’s two-lane highways, but that does not always mean that it is safe to do so. Many head-on collisions are caused by drivers attempting to pass on these highways. Someone’s impatience can easily lead to injuries and fatalities.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol recently responded to a three-vehicle accident on Route U. The crash occurred at just about 6:15 p.m when the driver of one vehicle attempted to pass the vehicle in front of him. As the vehicle moved from the westbound lane into the eastbound lane to pass, it struck the vehicle in front of it. After that impact, the passing vehicle slammed into a van heading eastbound.
The driver of the van, a 43-year-old man, was rushed to an area hospital, but at approximately 7:27 p.m., he succumbed to his injuries. Three of the passengers in the van, including a 5-year-old girl, suffered injuries considered to be serious. The four other passengers in the van were moderately injured. The driver believed responsible for the accident suffered serious injuries, and the other driver suffered moderate injuries. All of the injured were taken to hospitals, but their current conditions are not known.
The driver attempting to pass may face criminal charges in connection with the crash. Separately, the family of the deceased driver and the injured parties may file civil actions against him and any separate owner of the vehicle he was driving. If negligence is successfully proved in court, monetary damages typically seen in accidents such as head-on collisions and rear-end collisions could be awarded.
Source: semissourian.com, “One killed, 9 hurt in three-car crash”, Feb. 13, 2015
