Head-On Collision Leaves One Driver Dead, the Other With Life-Threatening Injuries

There are a variety of ways car accidents can occur. Among the different types of collisions that can happen between two vehicles, head-on crashes are one of the most potentially deadly. A recent head-on car accident in Portland proved fatal for one of the drivers while causing life-threatening injuries to the other. Understanding how these crashes often happen can help to reduce your risks. 

In Fatal Head-On Collision. Alcohol Blamed as a Factor

A fatal head-on collision on the Portland-Hubbard Highway recently claimed the life of a 33-year-old Woodburn resident. According to a January 23, 2020 report by KOIN 6 News, the crash occurred shortly after midnight the day before. As the victim traveled down the road, she encountered another driver, a 29-year-old Beaverton woman, coming toward her in the opposite lane. 

As the two cars were about to pass each other, the Beaverton woman’s vehicle crossed the center line and hit the victim head-on. As a result of the impact, the Woodburn driver died at the scene. The at-fault driver was life-flighted to a local hospital with severe injuries. Police are continuing to investigate but claim the evidence indicates alcohol use on her part played a role in the crash. 

Unfortunately, impaired driving is a frequent cause of head-on car accidents. Other common contributing factors include: 

• Driving at night and in poor visibility;
• Driving in unfamiliar areas, where you may not be aware of one-way streets;
• Driving on highways, where head-on crashes often occur at exit or entrance ramps;
• Driving in rural areas, where drivers may move into your lane while attempting to pass others on the road. 

Head-On Collisions: How They Happen

The Insurance Information Institute (III) reports that while head-on collisions are one of the least common types of car accidents, they are one of the most deadly. Responsible for more than 10 percent of all traffic fatalities, they cause nearly 3,500 deaths each year. Speeding is one of several factors that makes these crashes so dangerous, as is the fact that they tend to occur suddenly, giving other motorists little time to respond or get out of the way. Other common types of reckless driving behaviors that contribute to head-on collisions include: 

• Driving distracted, such as using cell phones or texting;
• Drowsy driving, which involves being excessively fatigued or falling asleep behind the wheel;
• Running red lights or stop signs;
• Failure to yield, improper passing, and other types of aggressive driving. 

To reduce your risks of being involved in a head-on collision, use caution when driving down one-way streets, urban roads, and when getting on or off major highways. If you notice another driver behaving erratically, pull over to a safe location and notify law enforcement. 

Our Portland Car Accident Attorneys Are Here To Help

When another driver’s actions leave you or a loved one with potentially life-threatening injuries, the Johnston Law Firm, P.C. can help you hold them accountable. Call (503) 546-3167 or contact our Portland car accident attorneys online and request a consultation today.