Driving has become such an integral part of American life that it is easy to forget the dangers inherent in our favored mode of travel. Yet no matter how complacent we have become, it is imperative for Texas drivers to remember just how quickly a normal drive can turn into a terrible car accident. A recent crash reminds us of the dangers of road travel.
A two-vehicle accident recently occurred on Texas Highway 36. The accident took place near 9:20 p.m. on the overpass that crosses Highway 317. An initial investigation suggests that a Chevy S10 pickup truck and a Toyota Camry collided.
The 49-year-old driver of the truck died as a result of injuries sustained during the car crash. The driver of the Toyota and one passenger in the Chevy were transported via ambulance to Scott & White Hospital for treatment. They are reported to have sustained non-life threatening injuries in the crash.
The overpass was closed to all traffic for several hours following the crash. The Temple Police Department accident reconstruction team arrived and gathered evidence immediately following the incident. The preliminary investigation suggests that the pickup was heading west in the eastbound lanes of the highway. As it drove the wrong way, it eventually encountered the Toyota, which was travelling in the correct lane. The two vehicles collided in an offset frontal collision, which caused the pickup to roll to its side before coming to a stop.
As the investigation continues, more information is expected to be released concerning the reason why the pickup truck driver was driving the wrong way on a Texas highway. There is no mention of drugs or alcohol as a factor in the car accident, but it is likely that toxicology reports will play a part in the investigation. The family members of the parties injured or killed in this crash will look to the investigation for more details. In addition to any criminal charges that may be filed in the case, they retain the right to pursue civil suits against the party or parties who are found responsible for the accident.
Source: Temple Daily Telegram, “Victim identified: Fatal collision on Hwy 36 overpass over Hwy 317,” July 16, 2012
