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Lesson for auto drivers to be learned from the I-75 semi pile-up crash.

Chain reaction auto accidents are a scary reality for travelers.

In the blink of an eye, a simple fender bender can turn into a multi-car pile up and a complete lock-up on the highway. Most Recently on July 13th a tractor-trailer driver fell asleep at the wheel, ran into the highway guardrail and triggered a series of accidents on Interstate 75 in the Gainesville area. 

Upon striking the guardrail, the tractor-trailer flipped and threw debris, including its axel, across the road.  A second tractor-trailer struck the axel of the first, causing the second semi to also hit the guardrail and further litter the interstate with debris.

The Florida Highway Patrol reported that the accident also triggered subsequent crashes caused by drivers watching the tractor-trailer smash remains instead of the road.

What lesson can we learn by such an incident? As an accident lawyer serving Gainesville and the surrounding areas, I believe this accident can serve as a warning to drivers on three important points:

1. Drivers should always make sure that they are in the proper state of mind for driving; meaning drivers need to be alert, rested and sober (and cell phones off). 
2. Drivers must make sure to be aware of road conditions at all times, by keeping both hands on the wheel and both eyes on the road at all times while maintaining the proper speed and attention to do so.  Drivers can never be sure that the road ahead is clear of debris nor what unexpected event lies ahead of them.
3. Drivers should avoid watching the remnants of auto accidents, (rubber-necking) but rather focus on driving their vehicles safely.

By remembering these simple rules, many of the chain-reaction auto accidents that frequent Interstate 75 could be avoided.

For more information:
Common Driving Distractions