Drivers who travel along Alabama’s Interstates during the early morning hours often face conditions that may increase the likelihood that they’ll be involved in a car accident. Alabama State Troopers recently released information related to a multiple car accident that occurred around 5:45 a.m. in which two individuals lost their lives.
The three-car accident occurred when an 84-year-old driver of a Toyota Camry collided with two cars while attempting to merge onto Interstate 20/59. The Toyota crashed into a Saturn and Ford Focus during the early morning hours.
The 20-year-old driver of the Saturn and his 21-year-old passenger were both injured. Also injured was the 26-year-old driver of the Ford Focus and a 38-year-old passenger. All four individuals were taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital where they received medical attention and treatment for their injuries.
Sadly, both occupants of the Toyota Camry sustained fatal injuries in the crash and died, an 84-year-old driver and his 83-year-old wife.
Police are currently investigating what factors may have contributed to this fatal accident. It’s likely, however, that the driver’s age along with the fact that he was driving during the early morning hours when visibility was poor may have contributed to the fatal crash. Also, accidents involving vehicles that are attempting to enter or exit an Interstate are common and can, as in this case, be deadly.
Drivers traveling on Alabama’s Interstates would be wise to ensure they remain aware of drivers who are attempting to exit or enter the Interstate. Drivers are often traveling at high speeds and those attempting to exit may suddenly merge and switch lanes. Likewise, drivers who are attempting to merge onto the Interstate may do so without looking and tragic accidents like the one detailed above may result.
Source: Alabama Live, LLC, “Miss. man, woman killed, four injured in crash on I-20/50 near Tuscaloosa,” Chris Pow, Oct. 18, 2012