The Washington State Patrol recently released the name of a woman who died at the scene of a crash. Law enforcement reports that the crash occurred when a Subaru was traveling eastbound, a semi-truck crossed a yellow line while trying to pass another vehicle, and the truck and car collided. One motorist was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. It is not known if the motorist was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision. The second driver was, fortunately, not injured in the accident. Due to the crash, the road was closed and a detour was made close to Starr Road and Idaho Road.

Washington law requires motorists to exercise caution when passing other vehicles on the road. The law prohibits motorists from passing other vehicles when there is not sufficient space on the road to do so. When drivers do not have a complete view of oncoming traffic or perform other dangerous driving patterns, serious accidents can occur like in the above case. Unfortunately, thousands of people are killed each year in crashes involving passing vehicles. Here are some helpful strategies that motorists can follow to avoid ending up in passing-related accidents.

Common Ways Passing Accidents Occur

The best way to avoid being injured in a passing accident is to know a little bit about how they commonly occur. Some of the most common ways in which passing accidents occur include: 

• Traveling above the speed limit to get around a vehicle
• Passing multiple vehicles at the same, which often means a driver's passing distance increases beyond what is available
• Passing when followed too closely by another vehicle
• Passing too close to an intersection
• Passing in poor weather conditions
• Passing in a “no passing” zone

Safety Strategies When Passing Vehicles

Passing can be dangerous and should only be done by skilled drivers and when it is necessary to do so. If you must pass another vehicle, you should carefully inspect the road conditions in front of you. You should also understand that other drivers might be distracted or might not anticipate you passing lanes, which is why it is a good idea to only do so when you have sufficient space. While it goes without saying, you should make sure to never pass in certain areas. For example, attempting to pass a vehicle when your line-of-sight is restricted or there is not enough room can result in a deadly collision. If you have ever doubts about whether it is safe to pass, simply stay in your lane and wait. 

Obtain the Assistance of an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer

If you have been involved in a car crash, you should not hesitate to speak with a compassionate personal injury attorney. Schedule a free case evaluation with an attorney at West Law Office today.