On Sunday, a New Castle County police officer was involved in a crash near Christiana Road. The officer was traveling east along Route 273 when he was struck by a silver Kia Optima that crossed the grass median and struck the patrol vehicle.
One adult and three children in the Kia were taken to area hospitals, where they are listed in critical, but stable condition. The officer, who was en route to work, was trapped by the vehicle’s airbag, and suffered only minor injuries in the crash.
A vehicle could suddenly leave the roadway for several reasons, including:
- Distracted driving: Texting, adjusting the radio, or arguing with passengers can take your attention off the road long enough to cause a serious mistake.
- Drowsy or impaired driving: Fatigue and substances such as alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications, can reduce reaction time and impair judgment, making it easier to drift out of a lane or lose control entirely.
- Mechanical failure: A tire blowout, brake failure, or steering malfunction can make it nearly impossible for a driver to maintain control, especially at high speeds.
- Medical emergencies: Conditions such as seizures, diabetic episodes, or heart attacks can strike without warning and cause unconsciousness or make a driver physically unable to operate the vehicle.
- Swerving to avoid an obstacle: Drivers sometimes make split-second decisions to avoid animals, other cars, or road debris, sending a car off-course.
- Poor road conditions: Wet pavement, ice, potholes, and uneven shoulders can all contribute to a vehicle leaving the roadway.
McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC is a dedicated personal injury law firm. To learn more about our legal services or schedule a free consultation, call 215-569-8488 or contact us online. Located in Philadelphia and Abington, Pennsylvania, and Wilmington, Delaware, we proudly serve clients in the surrounding areas.