Tragedy on Lake Somerville Dam Road: How a Guard Rail Failure Led to a Fatal Rollover in Burleson County
A Life Cut Short on a Rural Texas Road
The quiet Saturday afternoon of February 25, 2026, turned to tragedy when Eugenio Morales Prado, a 62-year-old resident of Dime Box, Texas, lost his life in a preventable rollover accident on Lake Somerville Dam Road. What should have been a routine drive through the scenic countryside of Burleson County became a catastrophic event that left a family grieving and a community searching for answers.
This wasn’t just another traffic accident. It was a collision between a pickup truck and the very infrastructure meant to protect drivers – a guard rail that failed when it was needed most. The consequences were devastating: a vehicle plunging down a rocky slope at Welch Park, a life hanging in the balance, and ultimately, a preventable death that raises serious questions about road safety in rural Texas.
At Attorney911, we’ve seen how these seemingly isolated incidents reveal systemic failures – in road design, vehicle maintenance, and emergency response. This case is no different. As we examine what happened that day, we’ll explore the legal implications, the potential liable parties, and most importantly, what this tragedy means for families in Burleson County and across Texas who trust that our roads are designed to keep them safe.
The Incident: What Happened on Lake Somerville Dam Road
The Fatal Sequence of Events
According to reports from the scene, Eugenio Morales Prado was driving his pickup truck on Lake Somerville Dam Road when his vehicle left the roadway, striking and penetrating a guard rail. The truck then rolled down the rocky slope at Welch Park, coming to rest in a position that required emergency extraction.
The timeline of events paints a harrowing picture:
- 11:52 AM: The accident occurs on Lake Somerville Dam Road
- Immediate Response: Emergency services are dispatched to the scene
- Transport: Mr. Prado is transported by ambulance to St. Joseph Health Burleson Hospital in Caldwell
- 3:43 PM: Eugenio Morales Prado is pronounced dead at the hospital
This sequence raises critical questions about each phase of the incident:
- Why did the vehicle leave the roadway? Was it driver error, mechanical failure, or a road condition issue?
- Why did the guard rail fail to prevent the vehicle from plunging down the slope? Were there design flaws or maintenance issues?
- Could the outcome have been different with better emergency response or medical intervention?
The Location: Lake Somerville Dam Road and Welch Park
Lake Somerville Dam Road is a rural route that serves as a vital connection in Burleson County, providing access to recreational areas around Lake Somerville and connecting communities like Dime Box to major thoroughfares. The road runs adjacent to Welch Park, a recreational area that offers camping, fishing, and access to the lake.
Key characteristics of this location:
- Rural Setting: Lower traffic volumes but higher speeds than urban roads
- Recreational Access: Connects to parks and lake areas, potentially attracting less experienced drivers
- Dam Proximity: Roads near dams often have unique engineering challenges
- Topography: The presence of slopes and rocky terrain at Welch Park
The combination of these factors creates a high-risk environment where guard rails play a critical safety role. When these safety barriers fail, the consequences can be catastrophic – as this tragedy demonstrates.
The Victim: Eugenio Morales Prado
Eugenio Morales Prado, 62, was a resident of Dime Box, Texas – a small community in Burleson County known for its rural character and tight-knit community. While details about Mr. Prado’s life and family haven’t been widely reported, his death represents the profound human cost of infrastructure failures.
At Attorney911, we’ve represented countless families who’ve lost loved ones in preventable accidents. Each case reminds us that behind every statistic is a person – someone with a family, a history, and a future that was cut short. Mr. Prado’s death will have ripple effects throughout the Dime Box community and beyond.
The Guard Rail Failure: A Critical Infrastructure Breakdown
How Guard Rails Are Supposed to Work
Guard rails are designed as a last line of defense to prevent vehicles from leaving the roadway and entering dangerous areas. Their primary functions include:
- Containment: Preventing vehicles from leaving the roadway
- Redirection: Guiding vehicles back onto the road surface
- Energy Absorption: Slowing vehicles gradually to reduce impact forces
- Protection: Shielding vehicles from hazards like steep slopes, water bodies, or fixed objects
The guard rail on Lake Somerville Dam Road failed in its most fundamental purpose – it didn’t contain the vehicle or prevent it from plunging down the slope. This failure raises serious questions about:
- The design specifications of the guard rail
- The installation quality
- The maintenance history
- The appropriateness of this guard rail type for this specific location
Potential Causes of Guard Rail Failure
Guard rail failures can result from multiple factors, each of which could be relevant in this case:
1. Design Deficiencies
– Inadequate height or strength for the expected vehicle types
– Improper placement relative to the hazard
– Insufficient length to provide proper redirection
– Failure to account for local topography and drainage
2. Installation Errors
– Improper anchoring to the ground
– Incorrect post spacing
– Failure to follow manufacturer specifications
– Use of substandard materials
3. Maintenance Failures
– Corrosion or rust compromising structural integrity
– Damage from previous impacts not repaired
– Vegetation growth obstructing the guard rail
– Failure to inspect and maintain according to schedule
4. Inappropriate Guard Rail Type
– Using a guard rail designed for lower-speed environments
– Failure to account for heavy vehicle traffic
– Inadequate consideration of local weather conditions
5. End Treatment Failures
– The end of the guard rail may have acted as a spear, penetrating the vehicle
– Improper terminal design that doesn’t safely absorb impact energy
The “Spearing” Effect: When Guard Rails Become Hazards
One of the most dangerous guard rail failure modes is known as “spearing,” where the end of the guard rail penetrates the vehicle rather than redirecting it. This typically occurs when:
- The guard rail end isn’t properly flared or protected
- The vehicle impacts the guard rail at an angle that causes penetration
- The guard rail posts fail to break away as designed
- The guard rail material is too rigid for the impact forces
When spearing occurs, the guard rail can intrude into the passenger compartment, causing catastrophic injuries or fatalities. This appears to be what happened in Mr. Prado’s case, where the guard rail penetrated the vehicle rather than containing it.
Legal Implications of Guard Rail Failures
Guard rail failures create complex liability issues that often involve multiple parties:
Government Entities
– Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)
– Burleson County
– Local municipalities responsible for road maintenance
Design and Engineering Firms
– Companies that designed the guard rail system
– Engineering firms that approved the design
– Firms responsible for roadway design
Manufacturers
– Guard rail manufacturers
– Component manufacturers (posts, bolts, terminals)
– Vehicle manufacturers (if vehicle design contributed to severity)
Maintenance Contractors
– Companies responsible for guard rail inspection
– Firms contracted for guard rail maintenance
– Construction companies that may have damaged guard rails during other projects
Property Owners
– Welch Park ownership (if they had maintenance responsibilities)
– Adjacent landowners
At Attorney911, we’ve handled cases involving infrastructure failures, and we know how to navigate these complex liability issues. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has over 25 years of experience holding government entities and corporations accountable when their negligence leads to preventable tragedies.
The Rollover: Understanding the Secondary Accident
How Rollovers Occur
The rollover that followed the guard rail penetration represents a secondary accident – one that often causes more severe injuries than the initial impact. Rollovers are particularly dangerous because:
- They expose occupants to multiple impact forces
- They can lead to ejection from the vehicle
- They often result in crushing injuries when the roof collapses
- They create a high risk of fire from fuel system damage
Several factors likely contributed to the rollover in this case:
- Loss of Control: The initial guard rail impact would have caused sudden deceleration and potential steering input
- Slope Descent: The vehicle was traveling down a rocky slope, creating uneven forces on the tires
- Speed: Even moderate speeds can lead to rollovers on uneven terrain
- Vehicle Dynamics: Pickup trucks have higher centers of gravity than passenger cars, making them more prone to rollovers
- Terrain: The rocky slope at Welch Park would have created unpredictable forces on the vehicle’s suspension and tires
The Physics of Rollover Accidents
Understanding the physics helps explain why rollovers are so dangerous:
- Center of Gravity: Higher vehicles (like pickup trucks) have a higher center of gravity, making them more unstable
- Lateral Forces: When a vehicle turns or slides sideways, lateral forces can overcome the vehicle’s stability
- Tripping Mechanism: When a tire hits an obstacle (like a rock or curb), it can act as a pivot point, causing the vehicle to roll
- Energy Transfer: The kinetic energy of the moving vehicle must be dissipated – in a rollover, this energy is transferred through multiple impacts
In this case, the combination of the initial guard rail impact, the descent down the slope, and the rocky terrain created ideal conditions for a rollover to occur.
Injuries Common in Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, including:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): From multiple impacts and potential ejection
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Often resulting in paralysis
- Crushing Injuries: When the roof collapses or the vehicle comes to rest on its side
- Internal Organ Damage: From the violent motion and multiple impacts
- Fractures: Particularly to the skull, spine, and extremities
- Ejection Injuries: When occupants are partially or fully ejected from the vehicle
- Burns: If the fuel system is compromised and a fire occurs
The fact that Mr. Prado was transported to St. Joseph Health Burleson Hospital in Caldwell suggests his injuries were severe enough to require immediate medical attention. The four-hour window between the accident and his death indicates that medical professionals fought to save his life, but the injuries were ultimately unsurvivable.
Emergency Response and Medical Treatment
The Critical Golden Hour
In trauma cases, the first hour after an accident – often called the “golden hour” – is critical for survival. The timeline in this case shows:
- 11:52 AM: Accident occurs
- Transport Time: Time to reach the accident scene, extract Mr. Prado, and transport him to the hospital
- Arrival at St. Joseph Health Burleson Hospital: Likely within 30-60 minutes of the accident
- 3:43 PM: Time of death – approximately 4 hours after the accident
This timeline suggests that emergency responders acted quickly, but the severity of Mr. Prado’s injuries may have exceeded what medical intervention could address.
Challenges of Rural Emergency Response
Rural accidents like this one present unique challenges for emergency responders:
- Response Time: Longer distances to cover in rural areas
- Extraction Difficulties: Remote locations and difficult terrain can complicate rescue efforts
- Limited Resources: Rural hospitals may have fewer specialized trauma resources
- Transport Decisions: Determining whether to transport to the nearest hospital or a more distant trauma center
St. Joseph Health Burleson Hospital in Caldwell is a critical access hospital serving Burleson County. While it provides essential medical services, it may not have the same level of trauma care as larger facilities in Bryan-College Station or Houston.
The Role of Emergency Medical Services
The emergency response in this case would have involved multiple components:
- Initial Assessment: Determining the severity of injuries at the scene
- Extraction: Safely removing Mr. Prado from the rolled vehicle
- Stabilization: Providing immediate medical care to stabilize vital signs
- Transport Decision: Determining the appropriate receiving hospital
- Communication: Notifying the hospital of incoming trauma patient
The fact that Mr. Prado survived the initial transport but succumbed to his injuries hours later suggests that his injuries were severe but not immediately fatal. This pattern is common in cases involving internal bleeding, traumatic brain injuries, or other injuries that take time to become life-threatening.
Legal Analysis: Who Is Responsible?
The Complex Web of Liability
This tragic incident involves multiple potential sources of liability. At Attorney911, we know that holding all responsible parties accountable is essential for achieving justice and preventing future tragedies. Let’s examine each potential defendant:
1. Government Entities: TxDOT and Burleson County
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Burleson County likely share responsibility for Lake Somerville Dam Road. Potential claims against government entities might include:
Negligent Design
– Failure to properly assess the need for guard rails
– Inadequate guard rail specifications for this location
– Failure to consider the specific hazards of this roadway
Negligent Maintenance
– Failure to inspect and maintain guard rails
– Failure to repair known defects
– Allowing guard rails to deteriorate to unsafe conditions
Failure to Warn
– Inadequate signage warning of the hazard
– Failure to post appropriate speed limits
– Failure to warn of the specific rollover hazard
Sovereign Immunity Challenges
Government entities enjoy sovereign immunity protections, but these can be overcome in cases of:
– Negligent use of tangible personal property (the guard rail)
– Premises defects (the roadway and its appurtenances)
– Special defects (guard rails that become hazards)
Ralph Manginello has extensive experience navigating the complex rules governing claims against government entities. The Texas Tort Claims Act imposes strict notice requirements and damage caps, making it essential to act quickly and strategically.
2. Guard Rail Manufacturer
If the guard rail itself was defective, the manufacturer could be liable under product liability theories:
Design Defect
– Guard rail design that creates a spearing hazard
– Inadequate strength for expected impact forces
– Failure to account for vehicle types likely to use this road
Manufacturing Defect
– Substandard materials used in construction
– Quality control failures
– Deviations from design specifications
Failure to Warn
– Inadequate instructions for proper installation
– Failure to warn of known hazards
– Failure to provide proper maintenance guidelines
3. Installation Contractor
The company responsible for installing the guard rail could be liable for:
Negligent Installation
– Failure to follow manufacturer specifications
– Improper anchoring of guard rail posts
– Incorrect post spacing
– Failure to properly flare guard rail ends
Breach of Contract
– Failure to meet contractual specifications
– Use of substandard materials
– Deviations from approved plans
4. Maintenance Contractor
If a third-party company was responsible for maintaining the guard rail, they could be liable for:
Negligent Maintenance
– Failure to inspect guard rails according to schedule
– Failure to identify and repair defects
– Allowing guard rails to deteriorate to unsafe conditions
Breach of Contract
– Failure to perform required maintenance
– Failure to document maintenance activities
– Failure to report known hazards
5. Vehicle Manufacturer
While less likely in this case, the pickup truck manufacturer could potentially share liability if:
- Vehicle design contributed to the severity of injuries
- Safety systems failed to protect the occupant
- The vehicle was unreasonably prone to rollovers
6. Property Owners
Welch Park and adjacent property owners might share liability if:
- They had maintenance responsibilities for the guard rail
- Their actions contributed to the hazardous condition
- They were aware of the danger but failed to act
Proving Negligence in Infrastructure Failure Cases
To establish liability, we would need to prove:
- Duty: The defendant owed a duty of care to road users
- Breach: The defendant failed to meet that duty
- Causation: The breach caused the accident and injuries
- Damages: The victim suffered compensable damages
In guard rail failure cases, proving breach often involves:
- Expert Analysis: Engineering experts can determine whether the guard rail met applicable standards
- Maintenance Records: Documentation showing whether proper inspections and maintenance were performed
- Design Documents: Plans showing whether the guard rail was appropriate for this location
- Accident Reconstruction: Determining how the accident occurred and whether the guard rail failed as designed
- Witness Testimony: Statements from other drivers about the condition of the guard rail
- Photographic Evidence: Photos showing the condition of the guard rail before and after the accident
Relevant Legal Precedents
While each case is unique, several legal precedents demonstrate how courts handle guard rail failure cases:
1. City of Tyler v. Likes, 962 S.W.2d 489 (Tex. 1997)
In this Texas Supreme Court case, the court held that a city could be liable for a dangerous condition of a roadway that caused a fatal accident. The case involved a missing guard rail that allowed a vehicle to leave the roadway and strike a tree. The court found that the city had actual knowledge of the dangerous condition and failed to take corrective action.
2. State v. Rodriguez, 985 S.W.2d 83 (Tex. App.—Austin 1999, no pet.)
This case involved a fatal accident where a vehicle struck a guard rail that failed to contain it. The court upheld a jury verdict against the state, finding that the guard rail was a special defect that created an unreasonable risk of harm. The case demonstrates that guard rails can be considered special defects under Texas law, subjecting government entities to liability.
3. Bexar County v. Tenorio, 399 S.W.3d 159 (Tex. 2013)
In this case, the Texas Supreme Court addressed the issue of sovereign immunity in roadway defect cases. The court clarified that immunity is waived when a government entity has actual knowledge of a dangerous condition and fails to correct it. This precedent is crucial for cases involving guard rail failures where maintenance records might show prior knowledge of defects.
4. Ford Motor Co. v. Ledesma, 242 S.W.3d 32 (Tex. 2007)
While not directly about guard rails, this product liability case demonstrates how Texas courts handle cases involving multiple defendants. The court upheld a jury verdict against Ford Motor Company for a defective seat belt design. The case illustrates how product liability principles might apply to defective guard rail components.
5. General Motors Corp. v. Sanchez, 997 S.W.2d 584 (Tex. 1999)
This case involved a rollover accident and demonstrates how courts analyze vehicle stability and crashworthiness. While not directly applicable to guard rail failures, it shows how expert testimony about vehicle dynamics can be used to establish liability.
These cases demonstrate that guard rail failure cases can succeed when plaintiffs present strong evidence of negligence. Ralph Manginello has successfully handled complex cases involving multiple defendants and government entities, securing multi-million dollar verdicts for clients who suffered catastrophic injuries.
FMCSA Regulations and Road Safety Standards
Federal Highway Administration Standards
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) establishes standards for guard rails and other roadway safety features through the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and the Roadside Design Guide. These standards provide benchmarks for evaluating whether the guard rail on Lake Somerville Dam Road met minimum safety requirements.
Key standards that may be relevant:
1. Guard Rail Placement (Roadside Design Guide)
– Guard rails should be installed where the consequences of leaving the roadway are severe
– Minimum length requirements based on roadway speed and hazard type
– Proper offset from the roadway edge
2. Guard Rail Design (AASHTO Roadside Design Guide)
– Appropriate height (typically 27-32 inches)
– Proper post spacing
– Adequate strength to contain and redirect vehicles
– Proper end treatments to prevent spearing
3. Maintenance Standards (FHWA Guidelines)
– Regular inspection schedules
– Prompt repair of damaged guard rails
– Documentation of maintenance activities
4. Warning Sign Standards (MUTCD)
– Appropriate warning signs for curves and hazards
– Proper placement of signs for visibility
– Adequate advance warning of hazards
Texas-Specific Standards
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has its own standards that supplement federal requirements:
1. Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (TMUTCD)
– Texas-specific requirements for warning signs
– Standards for sign placement and visibility
2. TxDOT Roadway Design Manual
– Texas-specific guard rail design standards
– Requirements for guard rail placement
– Standards for end treatments
3. TxDOT Maintenance Guidelines
– Inspection frequency requirements
– Maintenance standards for guard rails
– Documentation requirements
How Standards Apply to This Case
In evaluating the guard rail failure on Lake Somerville Dam Road, we would examine:
-
Was the guard rail properly designed for this location?
– Did it meet FHWA and TxDOT height requirements?
– Was the post spacing appropriate?
– Was the end treatment designed to prevent spearing? -
Was the guard rail properly installed?
– Were manufacturer specifications followed?
– Were proper materials used?
– Was the installation inspected and approved? -
Was the guard rail properly maintained?
– Were regular inspections performed?
– Were defects identified and repaired?
– Was maintenance documented? -
Were appropriate warnings provided?
– Were warning signs properly placed?
– Were signs visible and legible?
– Was adequate advance warning provided?
Violations of these standards could establish negligence per se – a legal doctrine that presumes negligence when a defendant violates a safety regulation. This can significantly strengthen a case against government entities and contractors.
The Human Cost: Understanding the Impact on Families
The Immediate Aftermath
When a loved one dies in a preventable accident, the immediate aftermath is a whirlwind of shock, grief, and practical challenges:
- Notification: The devastating moment when family members learn of the tragedy
- Identification: The difficult process of identifying remains
- Funeral Arrangements: Making decisions during a time of profound grief
- Financial Pressures: Immediate expenses for medical bills, funeral costs, and lost income
- Emotional Trauma: The psychological impact of sudden, violent loss
For the family of Eugenio Morales Prado, this process would have been particularly challenging in a small community like Dime Box, where resources may be limited and privacy is difficult to maintain.
Long-Term Consequences
The loss of a family member in a preventable accident creates long-term consequences that extend far beyond the immediate aftermath:
1. Financial Impact
– Loss of income and benefits
– Funeral and burial expenses
– Medical bills from the final hospitalization
– Costs of estate administration
2. Emotional and Psychological Impact
– Grief and bereavement
– Depression and anxiety
– Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
– Complicated grief in cases of sudden, violent death
3. Family Dynamics
– Impact on spousal relationships
– Challenges for children losing a parent
– Strains on extended family relationships
– Changes in family roles and responsibilities
4. Community Impact
– Loss of a community member
– Impact on local businesses and organizations
– Ripple effects through social networks
– Potential stigma associated with the accident
Wrongful Death Claims in Texas
Texas law allows certain family members to bring wrongful death claims when a loved one dies due to another’s negligence. Potential claimants in this case might include:
- Spouse: For loss of companionship, financial support, and household services
- Children: For loss of parental guidance and support
- Parents: If Mr. Prado had no spouse or children
- Estate: For medical expenses, funeral costs, and pain and suffering before death
Damages available in wrongful death cases include:
-
Economic Damages
– Lost earning capacity
– Lost benefits (retirement, health insurance, etc.)
– Medical expenses
– Funeral and burial expenses -
Non-Economic Damages
– Loss of companionship and society
– Mental anguish
– Loss of inheritance
– Pain and suffering before death -
Exemplary Damages (Punitive Damages)
– Available if gross negligence is proven
– Designed to punish and deter egregious conduct
Ralph Manginello has extensive experience handling wrongful death cases, including those involving infrastructure failures. He understands the unique challenges these cases present and the importance of achieving justice for grieving families.
Preventing Future Tragedies: What Needs to Change
Infrastructure Improvements
This tragedy highlights the need for several infrastructure improvements in Burleson County and across rural Texas:
1. Guard Rail Upgrades
– Installation of modern guard rail systems with proper end treatments
– Use of energy-absorbing guard rail designs
– Regular inspection and maintenance programs
2. Roadway Design Improvements
– Better assessment of guard rail needs on rural roads
– Improved signage for curves and hazards
– Appropriate speed limits based on roadway conditions
3. Emergency Response Enhancements
– Improved emergency response times in rural areas
– Better coordination between local and regional trauma centers
– Enhanced extraction capabilities for remote locations
4. Data-Driven Safety Improvements
– Systematic collection of accident data
– Identification of high-risk locations
– Prioritization of safety improvements based on risk
Policy Changes
Beyond physical infrastructure, policy changes could help prevent similar tragedies:
1. Guard Rail Inspection Standards
– Mandatory inspection schedules for all guard rails
– Documentation requirements for inspections and maintenance
– Public reporting of guard rail conditions
2. Funding for Rural Road Safety
– Dedicated funding for rural road safety improvements
– Prioritization of high-risk rural roads
– Incentives for local governments to improve rural road safety
3. Emergency Medical Services
– Enhanced funding for rural EMS services
– Improved trauma center access in rural areas
– Better coordination between EMS and hospitals
4. Public Awareness Campaigns
– Education about rural road hazards
– Information about guard rail safety
– Awareness of emergency response procedures
Legal and Regulatory Reforms
Legal reforms could also help prevent future tragedies:
1. Sovereign Immunity Reform
– Expanded waiver of sovereign immunity for roadway defects
– Removal of damage caps in cases of gross negligence
– Streamlined claims processes for government liability
2. Product Liability Protections
– Stronger protections against defective guard rail systems
– Mandatory reporting of guard rail failures
– Independent testing of guard rail designs
3. Maintenance Standards
– Mandatory maintenance standards for guard rails
– Public reporting of maintenance activities
– Penalties for failure to maintain guard rails
4. Accident Investigation
– Independent investigation of fatal accidents
– Public reporting of accident causes
– Recommendations for preventing similar accidents
What This Tragedy Means for Burleson County Drivers
The Risks on Rural Roads
This incident highlights the unique risks that Burleson County drivers face on rural roads:
1. Guard Rail Hazards
– Many rural roads have older guard rail systems
– Maintenance may be less frequent than on urban roads
– Guard rails may not be designed for modern vehicle types
2. Limited Emergency Response
– Longer response times for accidents
– Fewer trauma centers in rural areas
– Limited extraction capabilities
3. Higher Speed Limits
– Rural roads often have higher speed limits
– Speed increases the severity of accidents
– Higher speeds make guard rail failures more likely
4. Unique Topography
– Rolling hills and slopes create rollover hazards
– Water crossings and low-water crossings create drowning risks
– Limited visibility on curves and hills
How to Stay Safe on Rural Roads
While infrastructure improvements are needed, drivers can take steps to protect themselves:
1. Guard Rail Awareness
– Be aware that guard rails may not always prevent vehicles from leaving the roadway
– Reduce speed when approaching curves with guard rails
– Be particularly cautious of guard rail ends
2. Speed Management
– Observe posted speed limits
– Reduce speed for curves, hills, and poor road conditions
– Be prepared to stop for unexpected hazards
3. Vehicle Maintenance
– Ensure tires are in good condition
– Check brake systems regularly
– Maintain proper tire pressure
4. Emergency Preparedness
– Carry a charged cell phone
– Know your location for emergency responders
– Have basic emergency supplies in your vehicle
5. Defensive Driving
– Be aware of other drivers’ behavior
– Maintain a safe following distance
– Be prepared for animals and slow-moving vehicles
What to Do If You’re in an Accident
If you’re involved in an accident on a rural road:
- Call 911 Immediately: Even if injuries seem minor
- Document the Scene: Take photos of vehicle positions, damage, and road conditions
- Identify Witnesses: Get contact information from anyone who saw the accident
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries aren’t immediately apparent
- Preserve Evidence: Don’t repair your vehicle until it’s been documented
- Contact an Attorney: Before speaking to insurance companies