Power Lines Down After a Rollover Crash Knocks Down Utility Pole Near San Antonio Airport

A rollover crash in the early morning of May 11th took down power and cable lines close to the intersection of Isom Road and Sandau Road near San Antonio International Airport.

A driver lost control of their vehicle, rolled through a concrete barrier, and went through a chain link fence surrounding the airport before crashing into a utility pole. Workers from CPS Energy and Spectrum arrived shortly after to put up a new utility pole and fix the lines.

The driver, a man in his twenties, was uninjured. The San Antonio Police Department said the man was taken into custody on suspicion of driving while intoxicated after an evaluation at the scene. The man’s name was not released and the investigation into the crash is still ongoing.

Utility Pole Accidents: One of the Most Dangerous Crashes in the United States

Utility pole crashes are overrepresented when you look at traffic fatalities. According to the US Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration, about 2% of all traffic fatalities in the country involved utility poles. If you only count fatalities where the vehicle departed the roadway, utility poles were involved in 4% of all fatalities.

In accidents where hitting a utility pole was considered the most harmful event, about 65% happen in urban areas.

Hitting a fixed object is dangerous and running into a utility pole is one of the most dangerous objects a car can hit. Due to the shape of utility poles, they push more of the structure into the passenger compartment, increasing the danger to occupants. Severe car accident injuries and fatalities are likely if you hit a pole.

While the FHWA has found ways to help reduce these fatalities, not all roadways have these safety measures. For instance, warning signs have been proven to help prevent vehicles from leaving the roadway. Changes to the road, like applying friction treatments to help prevent cars from sliding during wet weather, can also help save lives. 

There have also been recommendations to shield utility poles to help absorb crash forces.

Staying Safe on Texas Roads

You’ve probably seen plenty of roads with these dangerous characteristics during your day-to-day life. If you have to go over these roadways regularly,  use these important safety tips to help prevent an accident:

• Lower your speed near curves
• Do not make any sudden steering movements if you can avoid it
• Drive slowly in wet weather
• Practice how to regain control if your wheels lose traction
• Take turns at a slower speed if the edges of the curve aren’t clearly marked
• If your car does leave the roadway, try to steer toward clear areas

Villalobos Law Firm: Car Accident Attorneys You Can Depend On

If you or a loved one have been involved in a serious car accident, do not hesitate to reach out to the attorneys at the Villalobos Law Firm. Our team is committed to treating our clients like family and providing them with the legal services and care they deserve. 

Request Your FREE Consultation Today!

Source: KSAT