Drivers' Corner - Caring in Action

The Dreaded Head On Collision
Have you had the unpleasant experience of a head-on collision?
A driver was en-route to Seattle, WA. He had overslept and was behind schedule. He had an appointment at 10:30 and, with luck, he would make it.
Traffic was moderate and the weather could not have been better. The sun was behind him and he was making good time.
He had just turned on to I-90 from I-82 when, to his surprise, a 4-wheeler came across the median in his direction. A 4-wheeler in front of him barely missed making contact with the encroaching car, but his luck was not as good.
The car turned toward him colliding with a horrible crash. With his weight and speed, he pushed the 4-wheeler back almost 250 feet before stopping. He had his seat belt securely fastened.
The belt seemed to cut through his body with the impact of the crash. His body ricocheted between the steering wheel and the back of the seat like a rag doll being tossed about. His mind raced with possibilities of injuries, but to his amazement, he only suffered a cut on his forehead.
The 4-wheeler occupant was killed instantly.
We have a better chance of avoiding a head-on collision if we plan ahead:
1. Always look for an alternate course of action. Be aware of your surroundings. We respond to a plan instead of reacting to the circumstances.
2. In all cases, steer to avoid a direct head-on collision. A glancing blow leaves yourself and others with a better chance of survival than does a head-on collision.
3. Do not get caught unaware. Monitor traffic constantly in both directions.
Bottom line - Your chances to avoid head-on collisions are better if you respond to a plan instead of allowing yourself to fly into a full-fledged panic.
That's the way I see it - Bob Hataway - TransAlive.

Newsletter Signup