There are a lot of road conditions that can affect the safety of drivers out on the roads. Animals straying onto roads can cause serious accidents and this is a real concern for many Missouri residents.
Three Missouri residents were injured in an accident that happened on Missouri Highway 59 at about 9:15 p.m. on a Friday night. The accident happened in Jasper County just three miles south of Carthage, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
There were three individuals injured in the crash. All three accident victims were taken for treatment to Freeman Hospital West in Joplin.
One of the drivers was traveling northbound on highway 59 when suddenly he had to swerve to avoid a dog that had appeared in the road in front of his vehicle, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported. When he swerved to avoid hitting the dog, his vehicle crossed over the center line and then
struck an oncoming car that was driving in the southbound lane. The collision was head-on.
The danger of animals in the roads is always present. But the Missouri Highway Patrol has issued a reminder that during the fall season, there is an increased possibility that residents may be seeing more deer out on the roads. Fall is deer mating season and more deer out in the open usually means that there is also an increase in the amount of accidents that happen.
Officials report that last year during the fall, there were around 4,000 auto accidents that involved deer. More deer are out in the open and near roadways because of circumstances like the fall harvest and hunting season. So drivers should keep these issues in mind when they are out traveling.
The Missouri Highway Patrol wants to remind motorists that it is important to be aware of these dangers and to be informed, and that drivers can protect themselves and their passengers, as well as other drivers by staying diligent. Early evening and dawn are times when deer venture out and drivers are most likely to see them. But because these are times of low light when they are most difficult to see, drivers should be extra cautious.
Reduce the chances of getting into an accident by reducing speed when driving through wooded areas where there may be deer. And if you do spot a deer, the probability is high that there will be more nearby. Striking a deer can cause serious injury to the animal and to anyone inside the vehicle.
Deer and dogs are not the only animals that drivers need to be aware of. Any creature in the road can be difficult to see and can startle drivers who then immediately steer away from the creature or obstacle. As was the case with the aforementioned accident, avoiding hitting the animal in the road can then cause cause an accident.
No matter what the season, drivers should always exercise caution and be aware of variables like creatures or obstacles in the roadways or weather conditions or road work. Distractions like cell phones or texting can just increase the likelihood of these accidents occurring, and if drivers were reckless or negligent, they can be held liable for the injuries and damages of accident victims.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident, contact a Missouri auto accident attorney to discuss legal options. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
