Tragic accident, very sad.
Another contributing factor: driver probably following too closely.
I see drivers tailgating constantly on the interstate. Distance between cars should be one car length per every 10 mph, or at least 10 car lengths at 60 mph.
Yup. And judging by the crush damage -- going pretty darn fast.
I see this constantly. Just from personal observation, I would say 85-90% of all drivers follow too closely. It is a bad habit. Doesn't anyone know the 2 second rule? Watch the rear tires of the car in front of you cross a shadow or mark on the highway. Count "one thousand one, one thousand two". If you cross the shadow before the count is over...you are too close.
I have avoided many fender benders and more serious accidents simply by being able to brake in time.
It is very difficult if not impossible to maintain those appropriate car lengths. I live in Atlanta and have to drive interstate highways everyday where the "normal" flow is going 10 miles over the speed limit (75 to 80 MPH). If I leave those appropriate car lengths between me and the car ahead, then immediately other cars will fill in the gap, furthermore I will be considered a dangerous driver for not maintaining the flow.
I don't know what the answer is, if anyone can tell me, please do, I am listening. Thank goodness we will be leaving Atlanta as soon as our new home in the mountains is ready to move into.
Yup. I owned a 1999 Sunfire GT. If you can't get one of those stopped behind a truck, you're following way too close. The little suckers handled like go-karts. They weren't muscle cars, but they were quick, turned quickly, and stopped very quickly.
Almost every time I am on the Interstate, if I leave room for 10 cars at 60 mph, 10 cars pull into that space.