Woman Dead Following Two-Vehicle Collision

A 75-year-old woman is dead after an unsafe lane change led to a two-vehicle collision on the connecting bridge between Interstate 20 and Texas 360. The crash happened on Tuesday, February 28, in Arlington, Texas.

The Bridge Crash

On Tuesday, February 28, at around 9:09 p.m., Arlington police responded to a two-vehicle crash on the connecting bridge between Interstate 20 and Texas 360. 

According to investigators, a 75-year-old woman was driving a 2008 Saturn Vue in the left lane of Interstate 20. The woman took the exit ramp to the connector bridge and made an unsafe lane change. The Saturn Vue hit the front end of a 2012 Honda Accord driving in the bridge’s right lane.

The impact from the Honda Accord caused the Saturn Vue to spin out, hit the concrete wall of the connector bridge, and flip over the side. Police found the Saturn Vue flipped upside down in a grassy area underneath the connector bridge. The 75-year-old driver was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The driver of the Honda Accord did not sustain any injuries in the crash and remained at the scene to speak with investigators. No charges are being pressed against the driver of the Accord. 

The Common Causes of Unsafe Lane Changes

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), almost one out of every ten car accidents involves a lane change. When a driver suddenly and recklessly switches into another lane, it becomes classified as an unsafe lane change. These lane changes happen quite frequently on the road and can lead to severe or fatal accidents.

Negligent and reckless driving behavior is often the root cause of unsafe lane changes. To avoid this from happening on the road, drivers must recognize the poor driving errors that lead to unsafe lane changes:

• Failing to use a turn signal
• Failing to check side mirrors and blind spots
• Misjudging the speed and distance of oncoming traffic
• Changing lanes in the middle of an intersection
• Driving between two lanes 
• Merging too slowly
• Distracted driving
• Drowsy driving
• Impaired driving
• Driving under the influence

Unsafe lane changes can cause irreparable damage but can be avoided by correcting reckless driving behaviors. When you sit behind the wheel of your vehicle, you have a responsibility to yourself and other drivers on the road to be attentive and safe. Don’t be the reason that a severe or fatal accident occurs. Always use your turn signals and check your blind spots before switching lanes. Simple steps like these could save a life on the road and prevent unsafe lane change accidents from occurring.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, reach out to your car accident attorneys at Villalobos Law Firm today to get started on your legal claim.

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Source: CBSNewsTexas, WFAA