Drivers who encounter car trouble while traveling on Alabama’s highways must take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. When a car stalls or runs out of gas, there are certain steps the driver should take to stay safe until police or help arrive. Failure to do so can result in serious and even wrongful death.
A mother and her one-year-old child were traveling down an Alabama highway when their car ran out of gas. The woman exited the vehicle and was retrieving her infant child from the driver’s side backseat when both were struck by an oncoming pickup truck.
According to the police report, the driver of the truck recalled seeing the stalled car but was not able to stop his truck in time. While he attempted to avoid hitting the woman and her child, he struck the open rear car door and the woman who was holding her child. Upon stopping, he searched for the victims and found them laying in the ditch.
Both the mother and child were taken to a nearby hospital for the serious injuries they sustained. The infant is listed in critical condition. Police are currently conducting a full investigation into the matter and conducted an accident reconstruction.
This tragic event is one that could happen anywhere and to anyone. When traveling in a motor vehicle that stalls or runs out of gas, it’s wise to pull the vehicle over to the far right-hand shoulder of the road. When possible, it’s also a good idea to remain in the vehicle until help arrives. If it becomes necessary to exit the motor vehicle, all vehicle occupants should exit using the left hand passenger doors.
Source: Alabama Live, “Woman, 1-year-old child hospitalized after hit by truck when their car ran out of gas,” Chris Pow, July 26, 2012
