We’ve all heard the common-sense advice: after an accident, exchange information with the other driver. However, when it comes to accidents on busy roadways such as interstates, the common sense answer could get you killed.
On August 13, 36-year-old truck driver Terrell Lowdermilk of Chattanooga was hit by a vehicle while trying to do the right thing. While driving a tractor trailer on I-75 in Marietta, he had a minor sideswipe accident with another tractor trailer. Both drivers stopped after the accident to exchange information, one on the interstate and one on the nearby exit ramp. While Lowdermilk stood in the left lane of the entrance ramp, he was hit and killed by the driver of a Chevrolet Silverado. Unfortunately, this driver fled the scene without stopping to help.
After investigation, on August 15 police charged Milton police lieutenant Christopher Bradshaw with vehicular homicide and hit-and-run. He was described as a top investigator with 14 years’ experience, but he failed to protect and serve Terrell Lowdermilk. He has been fired from the Milton police department and is being held in Cobb County jail without bond.
Georgia interstates typically have a speed limit of 70 mph, and many drivers exceed this high speed, especially in the Metro Atlanta area. If these drivers happen upon someone standing in the roadway, or even on the shoulder near the roadway, they may be unable to brake fast enough to avoid impact. Obviously, the burden is on drivers to avoid distractions and follow traffic safety laws. However, as a defensive measure, use the following safety procedures after a motor vehicle accident on the interstate:
- First, try to pull onto the shoulder or off the road entirely if at all possible. Vehicles still in the roadway are often hit again by oncoming traffic, increasing damage to the vehicle and potentially injuring those inside. Once you are out of the roadway, do not exit the vehicle to obtain the other driver’s information. If they exit theirs, explain that you are waiting for police and other emergency vehicles due to the traffic conditions and encourage them to remain in their vehicles for safety.
- Sometimes, conditions render this impossible. If your vehicle is undrivable, or if guardrails prevent shoulder parking, you may be unable to move from the roadway. In this case, you want to make it clear to oncoming traffic that your vehicle is immobile. At a minimum, turn on your hazard lights if they are still functioning after the accident. For this reason, it’s good practice to keep reflective safety triangles in your vehicle in case of an emergency. These can be placed behind and in front of the vehicle on the road, and they are made to be highly visible in daylight. Drivers should only place these if it is safe to do so, however: if traffic is heavy or visibility is low, it’s best not to risk being outside of your vehicle at all, even to place signs. Wait in your vehicle until help arrives.
If your vehicle was made in the last 10 years, it is much safer to be inside the vehicle than outside of it. However, these safety enhancements and increased vehicle size have actually made it less safe for cyclists and pedestrians outside of the vehicle. In fact, pedestrian deaths have increased even as car accident deaths as a whole have plummeted. By remaining in your vehicle after an accident, you increase your personal safety and reduce the likelihood of a tragic accident.