Single-car crashes; how do they happen?

Gus Philpott
Woodstock Advocate
March 1, 2012

How do single-car crashes happen?

Sure, sometimes there is a tire that blows out or a mechanical failure.

Or alcohol or fatigue might be involved.

And then there are times when the driver is distracted. Some distractions? Food, drink (soda? water? coffee?), map-reading, conversation, tuning the radio or sound system, applying make-up, shaving.

Then there are the phones. Handheld cell phone usage, hands-free cell phone usage (you still have to dial the number or open the line). And then there is texting. And now you can watch YouTube videos or TV shows right on your cell phone. Or video-conference.

How did that single-car crash in McHenry County happen recently that killed a young female passenger and injured three young men - none of whom was wearing a seat belt? The word is around as to how it happened. And the word is?

And last night's crash on Route 20 near Harmony Real Estate? What caused the driver to steer off the roadway? Will a crash investigation find the cause? And report it?

The cause of a crash is important. Hopefully, other drivers and passengers can learn by reading and paying attention.