The recent Toronto fiery crash that instantly killed upcoming rap artist Shane Redway and one of the two co-passengers left people stunned and devastated. The other co-passenger was critically injured and died later in hospital. According to news reports, it was a single-vehicle crash that occurred when the car veered off the road, hit the guard-rail and burst into flames. Apparently the driver lost control of the vehicle and investigations are still on to determine the exact cause of this horrific accident.

Single-vehicle Crashes

A single-vehicle collision or accident as the term implies is an incident that involves only one vehicle – for instance, road run-offs, crashes into obstructions on or off the road, like debris, animals etc. or they could also be roll-over crashes. Such accidents usually harm only the driver and passengers of the vehicle involved and the term is not used when pedestrians or other people are injured. They may be classified as off-road (run-off) crashes or on-road crashes.

Though single-vehicle crashes involve fewer people, they’re nearly always fatal or result in serious injuries. Apart from passenger vehicles, single-vehicle crashes could also involve trucks, pick-ups and vans too. One of the most tragic aspects of single-vehicle crashes is that most of them could have easily been prevented. These are one of the most avoidable of accidents and often have a direct cause and effect relationship with something inside or outside the vehicle.

Causes and Contributing Factors

There may be a single factor or a combination of circumstances that lead to such collisions. Among them are:

• Condition of vehicle
• Speeding
• Engine Failure
• Tire Blow-outs
• Road conditions
• Weather conditions
• Unfamiliar road
• Inadequate Signage
• Improper Road construction
• Impaired driving due to drugs, alcohol or prescription medication
• Distractions: Children, co-passengers, loud music, cellphone use, texting, video, eating, drinking, grooming, talking, fixing electronics inside the vehicle etc
• Drowsiness and lack of sleep
• Night-time driving
• Road-way hazards like falling debris, cargo falling off commercial vehicles
• Curved roads
• Rural roads
• Action by other motorists
• Animal crossings
• Judgment errors
• Driver error
• Age of driver : Older drivers are more likely to be involved in single-vehicle crashes because their reaction time is slower, while younger ones are easily distracted.

How to Avoid Single-vehicle Crashes

Based on the common causes provided above, it’s clear that many of these accidents are preventable. However, when external causes are the reason for the crash, it’s important to investigate and find the right relationship between the crash and these external factors.

Drivers should be cautious while driving on curved roads and avoid driving during bad weather conditions unless it’s an emergency.

Avoid speeding. Ensure that the driver is in full control of his or her senses and is not under the influence of alcohol, drugs or prescription medication. If the driver suffers from sleep deprivation, depression or anxiety, it’s wiser to designate a different driver. Keep within the speed limits, especially on lonely, rural roads, curved roads etc.

Avoid all distractions, however minor.

It’s wiser to avoid the fast lane and keep speed within limits. Blind spots and on-road distractions are a danger. Another great tip from experienced drivers is to keep the hands in a comfortable 9-3 o’clock position and move as close to the wheel as possible. Stay alert for other road-users who may cause problems – they may be drifting, weaving or looking drowsy at the wheel. These drivers are the culprits in multiple pile-ups.

Modern vehicles are equipped with state of the art technological applications that can provide adequate warnings to drivers and co-passengers. Touch-activated screens can replace control knobs, voice-activated navigation, climate and entertainment features, etc can certainly focus drivers’ concentration on driving.

Compensation

If you have lost a loved one or been injured in a single-vehicle crash, you’re entitled to statutory benefits. If the accident was caused by no fault of yours, you can claim additional compensation under criminal and civil laws. It is important that you contact a reputed, experienced personal injury attorney immediately and get a thorough assessment of the circumstances of your case.

Our no win no fee lawyers can assist you with all the relevant paperwork, ensure that your claims are filed correctly and at the right time, safeguard your rights, represent you in negotiations with insurance companies and make sure that you receive the maximum compensation. A talk with our catastrophic injury attorney in case of a fatal accident that cost the life of a loved one can help you to understand your rights.

If you, your family or a friend has been injured in an accident, please feel free to speak to one of our injury lawyers for a free consultation about how we are able to assist in making a personal injury claim. We consult in all cities across Ontario with a no win no fee guarantee. Our personal injury lawyers have helped victims secure millions of dollars in personal injury cases. Call us Toll Free On our 24/7 Injury Hotline: 1 – 844 495 7333.