It may not always be obvious why certain traffic laws are in place. For example, no passing zones may seem frustrating, particularly on long stretches of one-lane roadways. These traffic laws do have a purpose, however, and are often implemented based on statistics to help avoid car accidents.
A fatal crash in Monroe, Louisiana, reminds drivers of the impacts that such traffic laws can have. The accident happened during the morning hours in a no-passing zone. A 41-year-old woman was traveling behind a car driven by a 34-year-old female, which was carrying two young boys. The 41-year-old woman decided to pass the vehicle in front of her even though she was in a no-passing zone. As she made her way around the vehicle and re-entered the lane, the back of her car hit the front part of the other woman’s vehicle. This contact caused the passed vehicle to lose control and veer off the road.
The 34-year-old woman was actually ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. The young boys and the 41-year-old woman suffered only minor to no injuries.
Louisiana law makes clear that it is illegal to pass someone in a no-passing law. The relevant statute specifically outlines the Legislature’s reasons for implementing such laws: “those portions of [the] highway [are] especially hazardous.” Based on these findings, the lawmakers have the authority to place signs and markings in no-passing areas to indicate to drivers not to overtake drivers in front of them.
Although these safety precautions may not be apparent in every particular instance, they are obviously in place to prevent car collisions and any corresponding serious injury. And, a driver or passenger who suffers damages as a result of a negligent driver who fails to follow such laws can point to this failure to help support a claim for recovery and compensation.
Source: KNOE.com, “Update: Illegal passing results in fatal accident & two injuries,” June 26, 2013