5 Dead, Including a Toddler, Following Wharton County Crash
Five people, including one toddler, are dead following a car accident that occurred on US-59 on Sunday, November 29. One vehicle traveling southbound crossed the median into oncoming traffic, leading to the collision.
Details of the Accident
Authorities report that a collision occurred at around 4 a.m. on US-59 just before the exit for FM 961 and Highway 60. The crash involved a black Cadillac SUV traveling south near the exit.
The vehicle left the southbound lanes, passed through the grassy median, and into the northbound lanes. At this point, a collision occurred with a northbound Nissan Altima.
Authorities report that the driver of the Cadillac was dead when they arrived on the scene. So far, there have been no reports of any other passengers travelling in the vehicle.
Three adult passengers and one toddler who were traveling in the Nissan also died in the crash. The toddler was 2 and half years old. A fifth Nissan passenger, a 6-month-old baby, was transported by helicopter to a hospital for treatment. The incident remains under investigation by the police.
Nighttime Car Accidents in Texas
According to data gathered by the Texas Department of Transportation, the hour between 2 a.m and 3 a.m. is the most deadly in regards to DUI car accidents, and the second most deadly in regards to overall traffic fatalities, second only to rush hour.
With the days getting shorter, the nighttime hours when drivers tend to be more fatigued and using compromised night vision are increasing. With Daylight Savings Time in effect, many Texans may find that they are driving in the dark more often.
With that in mind, there are a few simple tips you can follow to drive as safely as possible at night:
- Clean your windshield prior to night trips.
- Dim your dashboard.
- Use anti-reflective glasses or contacts.
- Avoid looking at oncoming lights.
- Drive slowly to account for reduced reaction time.
- Minimize possible distractions including talking.
- Don’t drive at night if you are tired.
- Take rests at least every two hours.
- Be especially wary of “going on autopilot”.
- Pull over and nap if needed.
- Don’t eat or drink as this can be distracting.
Even when following every possible precaution at night, car accidents can still happen. Because of this, you may wish to avoid driving at night altogether. Instead, it may be safer for you to drive only during the hours when you are normally awake. This is especially true for drivers who struggle to see clearly at night.
However, if you are involved in a nighttime car accident in Texas, you don’t have to face the process of seeking compensation alone. Whether you need representation in a court of law or insurance negotiations, the compassionate car accident attorneys of Lapeze & Johns can help you seek any damages you may be owed.
If you lost a loved one in a car accident in Texas, contact the Houston car accident attorneys of Lapeze & Johns for help seeking relief.
Source: ABC13
