Single vehicle accidents most common
About a quarter of single vehicle accidents are fatal, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Single vehicle accidents are common but can be avoided, according to Best Care Emergency Medical Services spokesperson Xander Loubser.
Speaking to Rekord, Loubser said Best Care EMS reports approximately three single-vehicle accidents each week.
He said a number of them are caused when motorists are speeding on extremely curved roads, which will often lead the car to roll over.
“Single-vehicle crashes also usually happen when motorists approach a speed hump with speed.
“It is, however, concerning that such incidents are often caused by motorists who drink alcoholic beverages while driving,” he said.
Loubser added that even though there are accidents that don’t involve alcohol, single-vehicle accidents are prevalent mostly caused by intoxicated drivers.
In a social media post, Best Care EMS said according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about a quarter of fatal crashes are single-vehicle accidents.
“Seventy percent of these types of crashes happen when drivers run two wheels off the pavement and over-correct due to panic.
“This causes the vehicle to spin off the highway and flip, or dart into oncoming traffic,” the statement read.
Motorists are urged to follow the following safety tips when in such a situation:
– If you find yourself with two wheels off the road, release the accelerator and keep the steering wheel straight.
– Allow the vehicle to slow down on its own and smoothly steer back to the road.
– It’s best to stay away from the brake pedal, but it’s alright to use ABS if all four wheels are about to go off the roadway or when you are about to hit something.
– Be sure to centre the steering wheel before you release the brake.
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