Maine is one of the least developed states on the eastern seaboard, and with our stunning natural environment and small population comes a less developed road infrastructure. Many rural Maine roads are only two lanes and are not divided. Because Maine has more narrow two-lane roads and highways than other more densely populated Eastern states, there is an increased danger of head-on collisions, which can be deadly. A recently published news report discusses a fatal head-on collision that occurred recently near Grand Isle.
According to the local news report, two vehicles were involved in a head-on collision earlier this month on Route 1 between Madawaska and Grand Isle. The driver of the larger vehicle, an SUV, was transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries, however, the driver of the smaller sedan was killed in the crash. Although the news report does not discuss exactly how the accident occurred, it appears that one of the drivers passed into oncoming traffic and caused the collision. It is essential to road safety for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles and stay in their lane when traveling on small roads.
Driving a larger vehicle, like a truck or SUV, can help prevent a driver and their passengers from suffering serious injuries or death in the event of an accident. Larger vehicles do present an increased risk to other smaller vehicles on the road. Drivers of larger vehicles have a responsibility to other drivers to exercise extra care when traveling, as deadly accidents involving trucks and SUVs are tragically common in our region.
Although it’s important to stay in your lane when driving on small Maine roads, some roads do permit traveling into the oncoming lane to pass another vehicle, when appropriate. If the lanes are divided by a single dashed yellow line, then passing is legal. Drivers must use their discretion when deciding to pass, ensuring that visibility and road conditions are appropriate to safely complete the pass. Although a passing driver should perform the pass as quickly as possible by accelerating past the other vehicle, if passing requires a driver to travel well in excess of the posted speed limit, the driver should reconsider their decision to pass. When a passing driver fails to exercise proper care in performing a pass and causes a collision, they could be both civilly and criminally responsible for damages or injuries caused by the auto accident
Have You Been Injured in a Car Accident?
If you or someone you know has been hurt in a Maine auto accident, the Maine personal injury and negligence attorneys with Peter Thompson & Associates want to hear about your case. Our skilled civil lawyers have helped our clients obtain the compensation they deserve after car accidents and other acts of negligence. We represent clients in Maine car accident cases, as well as other personal injury, negligence, wrongful death, and medical malpractice claims. Don’t risk dealing with an insurance company on your own; give our experience a try. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today, call us at 1-800-804-2004 or reach out to us through our website.