5-Car Crash on Southwest Freeway Stops Traffic
A 5-car crash occurred on the morning of Friday, December 10, in Houston, TX. The crash blocked a major intersection on the northbound Southwest Freeway, before the West Loop. Authorities said that an 18-wheeler hit the back of a red car, leading to a chain-reaction crash.
The 5-Car Crash
On Friday, December 10, a 5-car crash occurred in the northbound lanes of the Southwest Freeway before the West Loop. According to police, an 18-wheeler hit the back of a red car and caused a chain reaction crash. The cause of the initial collision is still unknown.
The accident resulted in a hazmat spill, but no injuries were reported at the time of the crash.
The multi-vehicle collision blocked the right lane, two center lanes, and right shoulder traffic on the Southwest Freeway. Crews worked to reopen the Freeway a few hours following the crash.
An investigation into the crash reamins ongoing.
Multi-Vehicle Crashes
A multi-vehicle crash is a collision involving multiple vehicles. Multi-vehicle collissions can be among the deadlies types of accidents simply due to the higher number of vehicles involved. Often times, multi-vehicle collisions are caused by a chain-reaction that is started by one vehicle. There are many factors that can cause a chain-reactiono crash. Some common causes of multi-vehicle wrecks of this type include the following:
- High speeds— Traveling at high speeds can make it difficult for a driver to reduce their speed or come to a sudden stop. Often times, speeding drivers also fail to keep enough space between themselves and other vehicles.
- Intoxication— Intoxication of any kind, be it from alcohol, drugs, or other substances, can impair your driving capabilities and make it difficult for you to focus on the road.
- Distracted driving— If you take your eyes off the road for even a moment, you can miss significant changes in traffic. Typing a text message, applying makeup, eating, drinking, and adjusting the radio can all distract you while driving.
- Drowsy drivers— Driving without getting enough rest beforehand can lead to drivers falling asleep at the wheel. If you fall asleep, your foot may still be on the gas pedal, causing you to crash into the vehicle in front of you.
- Weather conditions— Weather conditions, such as fog, rain, and dust storms, can compromise your visibility and send your car crashing into the vehicle in front of you. Ice and snow can also make the road slippery and lead to multi-vehicle collissions.
The causes of multi-vehicle accidents are often related to driver error. When you get into your car, it’s important that you’re focused, alert, and following all traffic laws and guidelines. Driving responsibly so can help you protect yourself and others on the road.
If you’re ever unsure about whether or not you can safely drive due to the weather or your own condition, don’t drive. Taking that drive is never worth the risk of a potentially fatal multi-vehicle crash.
Reach out to your Houston car accident attorneys at Lapeze & Johns to get started on your legal claim.
Source: ABC13Houston , Click2Houston
