In this Preventable or Not accident scenario, truck driver John Doe was navigating a three-lane, one-way road in Chicago when an impatient Camaro driver suddenly accelerated and swerved into his lane, trying to squeeze past his slow-moving truck. Wearing a neck brace from a previous crash, she couldn’t check her blind spots, resulting in her sideswiping his rig. With only minor damage to his truck, Doe insists there was no way to predict the reckless move. But was this accident truly preventable?
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At 10 a.m. on a clear day, John Doe’s straight truck was westbound on a three lane, one-way road in Chicago. Since the highway department was repairing portions of the right lanes, Doe hugged the left lane and proceeded with caution at a slow speed, according to his statement.
A moment before the accident, the driver of a 1968 Chevy Camaro in the center lane saw the construction ahead and suddenly accelerated into the outside lane, attempting to squeak past Doe’s slow-moving truck.
Recently involved in a previous crash, the Camaro’s driver was wearing a neck brace and unable to turn her head to check clearances. Consequently, she sideswiped the right front bumper of Doe’s truck and further damaged the already dented left rear quarter panel of her vehicle.
In contrast, the only damage to Does’ truck was chipped paint on the right front fender.
Doe stated that anticipating the other driver’s split-second and irrational maneuver in time to avoid a collision was impossible. The Accident Review Committee of the National Safety Council disagreed, noting Doe should have sized up the situation an expected that the driver might either stop or veer into his lane. Doe should have been prepared to yield.
