Tragic Crash Reported on Interstate 20 in Augusta, Georgia (GA)

AUGUSTA, GA- Wrdw.com writes that a fatal crash took place this week on Interstate 20. The incident occurred as debris and water plagued the state’s roadways. The storm that was formerly referred to as Hurricane Sally, but that has since been downgraded, sent heavy rain through the region.* 

Reports state that a tow truck driver lost his life on the interstate while he was responding to the scene of another collision. The first incident took place in the eastbound lanes. The tow truck driver was attempting to remove a damaged vehicle from the road after that wreck when another car struck him. After killing the tow truck operator, the driver in the car that caused that crash fled the scene. According to investigators, that individual has not yet been identified or located. 

Bad weather often results in crashes. Rain causes more weather-related collisions than any other weather-related cause. Of course, snow and ice are particularly dangerous for drivers, but these conditions take place far less often and in fewer parts of the country than does rain. 

When it comes to driving in heavy rainfall, experts say the best move is to not do so at all. However, for those with no option but to drive in such conditions, the most important step to take is to lower your speed. Driving too fast in the rain is a recipe for disaster as cars can hydroplane, and the operators of the vehicles can quickly lose control. 

Car crashes in bad weather are so common that subsequent wrecks or secondary crashes are often anticipated by the authorities, and frequently occur prior to responders making their way to the scene of the first event. 

If you are driving and you see a vehicle on the road responding to an earlier incident, under Georgia law, you must move over a lane or slow down if moving over is not possible. 

Accident News is a safety and education initiative from Montlick & Associates, designed to help people better understand and thereby avoid common accident causes.  To learn more about our injury prevention programs, including iridesafe.com - click here. We hope you are never in an accident, but if you or a family member are injured, call Montlick & Associates 24/7 for your free consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333) or use our live chat at Montlick.com.

Sources:

https://www.wrdw.com/2020/09/17/as-rain-gets-heavier-here-some-hunker-down-and-others-go-to-where-help-is-needed/

https://www.wtvm.com/2020/09/16/cpd-urging-roadway-safety-during-severe-weather/

https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/weather/q1_roadimpact.htm#:~:text=Weather%2Drelated%20crashes%20are%20defined,pavement%2C%20or%20icy%20pavement).