White-out conditions following a snow squall triggered a massive pile-up, chain-reaction crash on Route 422 in Wyomissing around 2 pm, Wednesday, January 30. According to police at the scene, the accident started when a snow storm caused white-out conditions creating near-zero visibility. Cars then began colliding with each other with some skidding off the road and into a ravine.
Nine people were taken to Reading Hospital, two of then in critical condition, and as many as eight were take to Spring Township Fire Department for shelter and to be reunited with family members. Once the scope of the accident became apparent, authorities declared a “Level 2 Mass Casualty Alert” meaning that local emergency services and hospitals should be ready for up to 25 injured with some being serious to critical.
Police also said that several people were trapped inside their vehicles and had to be extricated by EMS. The crash completely closed down the freeway for many hours until the scene was cleared and deemed safe for travel.
An investigation into the accident is ongoing. Any witnesses are asked to contact Wyomissing Police at 610-375-6102.
Massive Pile-Up Crashes
When multiple cars collide, it creates dangers that go beyond the initial collision. In the majority of these, road conditions and visibility play a major role as motorists are often unable to react in time to avoid those in front of them.
There are three dynamics to a pileup crash. One, a collision occurs and those immediately behind the cars involved are unable to stop. Two, cars that are coming up on the vehicles already involved crash into them causing a secondary crash. Finally, other crashes occur when cars coming up on vehicles that had successfully stopped are unable to stop.
In some of the worst crashes, the pile-up continues for an extended period of time as the poor road condition and/or visibility fueled one crash after another. Click here to see a video of a pileup collision in real time.
Factors in Mass Pileup Crashes
According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, multi-car pileup crashes occur primarily for two reasons: road conditions and visibility. There are many other factors that when involved can greatly increase the risk of a pile-up crash.
Some of those factors are:
- Speed: The greater the speed of the vehicle going into an accident scene, the greater the likelihood of that car being involved.
- Poor Road Conditions: Snow, ice, heavy rain, spilled substances are all factors that can create longer braking times.
- Poor visibility: Fog, heavy snow, heavy rain, high winds can all contribute to decreased visibility.
- Impairment: Being impaired decreases the reaction time of the driver and creates higher risk of collision.
- Distraction: In many pileup collisions, the difference between a driver avoiding the vehicle in front of it or crashing can be a few moments
How to Avoid a Mass Pileup Collision
In hindsight, many of the pileup collisions could have been avoided had the driver been able to take certain steps prior to coming up on the scene. According to the American Automobile Association, the following tips can be used to reduce the risk of being part of a pileup:
- Slow down: When road conditions worsen or visibility decreases, reduce speed. The slower you are going when you come up on the stopped vehicles, the better chance you have of not crashing into them.
- Avoid a complete stop: Don’t be the only one that is stopped in low visibility or super slick conditions. If you stop, you will increase the risk of being rear-ended. Slow down and driver through the conditions.
- Stay vigilant: Don’t text, be on your cell phone or engage in any behavior that will keep you from focusing on the road and the other cars.
- Don’t drink or use drugs while driving: This is good advice at any time, but in pileup conditions, impairment will greatly decrease your ability to avoid a collision.
What to do if Involved in a Pileup Crash
Also, multiple safety experts say that if you are in a pile-up or any multi-car collision—especially on a divided, multi-lane highway or freeway—do not get out of your car. Inside your car with seat belt on is the safest place to be. Once out, and collision can be instantly fatal as you leave the protection of your vehicle.
Of course, if staying in the vehicle because of fire or its placement on the side of a cliff creates the chance of death or injury, then getting out is the best of two bad choices.
Do I Need an Attorney?
It’s up to you if you think you need an attorney, however, in multi-car crashes, the insurance company has several positions to take to divert fault from their client. You need an attorney that understands the law and has experience dealing with insurance companies. Don’t wait until they start treating you poorly before you contact an attorney as some mistakes can’t be undone. The sooner you have someone working for you, the better off you are. Call the Pearce Law Firm, P.C. at (215) 557-8686 or text at 215 880 6164. You can also contact us online by clicking here.
The post 24-Vehicle Crash on Freeway Injures 24, 9 Hospitalized appeared first on The Pearce Law Firm, P.C..