2 Head-On Accidents in Texas Over President’s Day Weekend
On Sunday, February 19, two head-on collisions happened in Texas, one in Laredo and one in Ector County. Six people were involved in the crashes, and one man was killed.
The Wrong Way Crash
Around 2 a.m. on February 19, a head-on collision occurred in the 1103 block of Bob Bullock Loop in Laredo, Texas. A witness reported a vehicle driving the wrong way just before the accident.
Multiple units, including the heavy duty rescue team, responded to the crash. Three people were involved, and one had to be pulled from their vehicle.
Any information regarding injuries or investigation isn’t available at this time.
The Head-On Accident
Just before midnight on February 19, two trucks crashed head-on in Ector County, Texas.
A 23-year-old man was driving a truck on US 385 when another truck crashed into him. The driver of the second truck, a 37-year-old man, was going the wrong way.
The 23-year-old was killed, while his passenger and the 37-year-old driver were taken to the hospital and are currently stable.
The Department of Public Safety said they’re unsure at this time if the 23-year-old was wearing his seatbelt. An intoxication investigation is underway against the 37-year-old, who could face intoxication manslaughter charges.
5 Common Causes of Head-On Car Accidents
While you may suffer injuries from any car crash, head-on accidents are often more severe, resulting in serious injuries and even death. The force of both vehicles coming to an abrupt stop, even when moving at slower speeds, can cause extreme harm.
Head-on car crashes happen for many reasons, but there are a few common causes:
- Impaired Driving – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs your ability to see and make decisions while behind the wheel. You may not notice lane markers or that you’re driving against traffic.
- Distracted Driving – Even a quick glance at your phone to reply to a text or change your music can cause you to drift into the wrong lane.
- Confused Driving – If you’re driving in an unfamiliar area, you may accidentally end up in the oncoming lane.
- Speeding – When speeding, especially around turns, you may cross over into the other lane accidentally.
- Improper Passing – Driving around a slower vehicle is legal in designated areas, but speeding around them, passing in illegal passing lanes, or playing chicken with other vehicles can cause head-on crashes.
Keep yourself and your passengers safe from head-on crashes by doing your part. Avoid drunk or distracted driving, review driving directions ahead of time, slow down on curves, and pass slower vehicles at safe speeds.
