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Dade City & Zephyrhills Attorneys / Blog / Auto Accidents / Teen Killed After Swerving To Avoid Crash

Teen Killed After Swerving To Avoid Crash

Swerve

Florida highways can be dangerous for newer, inexperienced drivers. Motorists often have to deal with drivers in various directions. Some may be coming straight at them. What should they do?

This situation happened to a Tampa teen. A boy was killed when he swerved to avoid hitting a vehicle in his lane. He instead hit a culvert. The fatal accident occurred on the evening of December 12 in Pasco County.

The 17-year-old driver and his 16-year-old female passenger were heading south on US-41. Suddenly, a driver in the northbound lanes crossed into their lane to pass traffic. The teen swerved into the shoulder to avoid hitting the oncoming car, a Honda Civic driven by a 45-year-old man from Spring Hill.

Instead, the teen hit a concrete culvert. This caused his car to flip multiple times. The teen was ejected from his seat and he suffered fatal injuries. He died at the accident scene. The passenger suffered serious injuries but is expected to be OK.

The crash is still under investigation. It is unknown if the driver of the other vehicle was cited or will face criminal charges.

How to Avoid Oncoming Vehicles

Avoiding oncoming vehicles requires awareness and quick decision-making. Here are some tips to help you stay safe:

  • Stay alert and aware. Continuously scan the road ahead for potential hazards, including oncoming vehicles swerving or drifting. Put away your phone, and focus solely on driving.
  • Maintain proper lane positioning. Stay in the center of your lane to avoid giving an oncoming vehicle more space to veer into your path.
  • Reduce speed. If you notice an oncoming vehicle in your lane, slow down immediately to reduce the impact force in case of a collision and give yourself more time to react.
  • Use defensive driving techniques. Use your turn signals and avoid sudden maneuvers that could confuse other drivers. Maintain a safe following distance from vehicles ahead, allowing room to react to unexpected situations.
  • React quickly and calmly. If a vehicle is heading toward you, steer to the shoulder or off the road if it’s safe. Avoid oversteering, which can cause loss of control. Sound your horn and flash your lights to alert the oncoming driver to their mistake.
  • Anticipate risky scenarios. Watch for signs of impaired or distracted driving, like swerving or inconsistent speeds. Be extra cautious near intersections and rural roads where vehicles might cross unexpectedly.
  • Plan for escape routes. Be aware of the areas around your vehicle where you could safely maneuver to avoid a collision, such as shoulders or open spaces.

Seek Help for Your Personal Injury Case

It can be hard to know what to do when a car is coming in your direction. Do you stay in your lane? Do you swerve?

When someone else’s negligence causes an accident, seek legal help from a Dade City & Zephyrhills auto accident attorney from Madonna Law. We’ll work to make sure your legal rights are protected. Schedule a consultation with our office by filling out the online form or call (800) 557-0411.

Source:

wfla.com/news/pasco-county/tampa-teen-killed-in-crash-after-swerving-to-avoid-oncoming-car/

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