Two men from Natchez, MS died late last month in a two-car accident that occurred at the intersection of U.S. 61 South and Douglas Road. Police say the accident left Walter Havard and Timothy Collier dead after a 2008 Ford driven by John White collided with the 2000 Chevy driven by Havard.
Mississippi Highway patrol has revealed that the accident happened while the Chevy was heading south on U.S. 61 in the middle of the afternoon. Havard failed to yield as he was preparing to turn off of U.S. 61 and turned directly into the path of the oncoming Ford driven by Collier.
Police say the Ford then collided with the passenger side of the Chevy, causing the truck to flip and roll off the road. Tragically, Havard, who was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the accident, died on his way to the local hospital. His passenger, Collier, died at the scene of the accident due to the force of the accident on the passenger compartment which absorbed the brunt of the impact.
The two people in the Ford also suffered injuries in the terrible crash, though none were life threatening. Police say the accident remains under investigation as they try and determine precisely what happened that afternoon.
Though this tragic accident showcases an occasion where wearing a seat belt failed to prevent death, that does not mean that seat belts are not critical safety features that dramatically decrease the risk of death in a serious car accident. According to the CDC, seat belt usage reduces serious crash-related injuries and deaths by about 50%. Despite this huge benefit, far too many people fail to use the simple safety device while behind the wheel.
Data shows that adults who live in rural areas, like much of Mississippi, are 10% less likely to wear seat belts (78% use) than adults who live in urban and suburban areas (87% use). A 2009 NHTSA study estimates more than 1,600 lives could be saved and 22,000 serious injuries prevented if seat belt use was 90 percent in every state.
Accidents like this one require the assistance of an experienced lawyer, particularly if you want justice and a fair settlement. If you or someone you know has been injured or killed in a car accident resulting from someone’s negligence, please contact the Jackson auto accident lawyers at Kilpatrick & Philley at 601-707-4669.
Source: “Accident near Natchez kills 2,” by Brandon Rogers, published at KNOE.com.
See Our Related Blog Posts:
Fatal motorcycle accident raises awareness of danger
Teenage Football Star Dies in Car Crash