A three-vehicle accident sparked by a tire blowout tragically claimed a life in Fresno County Saturday afternoon. The Fresno County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as a 34-year-old Sanger woman.
The Fresno Bee reported the accident occurred around 4:45 p.m. along Highway 180 near DeWolf Avenue just east of Fresno on April 10, 2021.
Witnesses stated that the deadly series of collisions started when a GMC Yukon lost its right rear tire in a blowout. The driver, traveling east, lost control and crossed the center median into oncoming traffic.
The California Highway Patrols says the GMC continued on and struck an Audi SUV and a Ford Focus. The woman in the Audi died at the scene. The drivers of the Ford and the GMC both suffered major injuries and were transported to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno.
The CHP is continuing to investigate the crash. They do not believe drugs or alcohol played a role in the accident.
State Highway Dangers in Fresno County
The long, straight state highways that crisscross Central Valley carry every kind of traffic each day. Delivery truck drivers, commuters, and families use these state routes to get across Fresno County and beyond. They can be the fastest way to get to any destination, but drivers must keep safety in mind when they use these lanes.
The speeds that are seen on highways can leave little reaction time in the case of a sudden issue with a vehicle. One problem can lead to an accident involving multiple vehicles with severe consequences for all drivers and passengers involved.
A blown-out tire can be one of those hazards that can cause a frightening loss of control. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that in a single year tire-related crashes caused 738 fatalities across the United States. They also advise that simple things like keeping tires properly inflated and rotated can decrease the risk of flat tires, blowouts, and tread falling off of tires.
In 2020, Fresno County recorded 2,950 vehicle collisions for the year. Almost a third of those incidents took place along the county’s state highways. Sadly, those accidents on local highways left 1,432 people suffering injuries and claimed a tragic 42 lives.
Drivers need to always show extra care whenever they travel at highway speeds and keep in mind the dangers that arise when safety and proper car maintenance goes ignored.
Finding Assistance for Victims And Families After Fresno County Accidents
After a terrible tragedy, families who have lost a loved one can wonder what sort of rights are in place to protect them. Surviving victims of accidents can also wonder who will be held accountable for the extreme costs of injury recovery.
There are protections in place for victims and their families but insurance providers for at-fault drivers aren’t required to inform victims of these benefits. For more information on what to do after a Fresno County car accident, you can visit our informational page here.
