info@ssinjuryatty.com
Call Us Now
Email Us Now
During the early morning hours on Sunday, February 24, Wesley Weysham, Jr., a retired Sarasota paramedic, tragically lost his life when he stopped to help two motorists that had been involved in an accident on I-75 in Riverview. After pulling one of the victims from his vehicle, and as he continued to render aid to the motorist on the shoulder of the road, a third vehicle struck one of the disabled vehicles from behind causing it to turn and hit Weysham, who suffered fatal injuries at the scene.
One of the unfortunate things about this accident is that it was preventable. This accident, and many others just like it, serve as an important reminder of the safety precautions that must be followed not only by those assisting at the accident scene, but also for passing motorists. Below are a few important safety precautions to consider.
Safety Tips to Use While at an Accident Scene
An accident scene can be a very hectic place. Not only are you worried about yourself, your passengers, and your vehicle, but you also have no idea what the condition of the other driver is. It is during this chaos that people often forget about securing the safety of the scene so as to ensure that no additional injuries occur to those involved, or to those passing by.
If you have been involved in an accident, here are some tips to consider:
- Stop your car and find out if anyone is injured.
- Try to protect the accident scene. Take reasonable steps to protect your car from further damage. If possible, move your car off to the shoulder of the road.
- Look at the flow of traffic at the scene. Does it pose a danger to you or others?
- If people are available, get someone up the road and down to the road to wave traffic. This is especially important in areas with tight turns, as oncoming motorists
- may not be able to stop in time once they see you.
- If the accident occurred at night, turn on hazard lights and ignite flares to warn oncoming motorists.
- Turn off all vehicles involved. There is no way to know what damage has occurred.
- Call the police or highway patrol. Tell them how many people were hurt and the types of injuries.
- Cover injured people with a blanket to keep them warm.
Safety Tips for Driving Near Accidents
For passing motorists, an accident scene can be a dangerous distraction. Many accidents occur next to accident scenes where motorists are not attentive to the road ahead and are only focused on the emergency activities at the scene. Worse yet, many motorists act as if there is nothing wrong and fail to take any precautions as they speed right past the scene. This can be deadly for both the passing motorist, and for those at the scene.
Here are some things to consider the next time you drive near an accident scene:
- Slow down when you see an accident scene. If necessary, STOP!
- Proceed slowly through the scene when directed to do so.
- Change lanes to a lane further away from the scene if possible.
- Look for changes in the traffic pattern around the accident.
- Look for signs indicating what you should do.
- Watch out for emergency vehicles and arriving and departing the scene.
- Watch out for emergency services personnel walking around the scene.
- Do not stare at the accident scene or flashing lights while your vehicle is in motion.
- Do not disregard the directions of the person directing traffic.
By using a few of these simple safety precautions, you can drastically decrease the chance of any further incident or injury.
Free Information
If you have questions about your Florida accident case, you can download our Free Reports:
- our Guide to Florida Car Accident Claims;
- The Ultimate Guide to Florida Slip and Fall Cases; and
- 5 Medical Mistakes That Will Destroy Your Personal Injury Case
which are available at our website, or you can click the link provided. You can also contact us at 813-797-5998 to talk directly to a Riverview personal injury attorney now.