Fender benders can turn deadly

It’s 5 p.m., and thousands of Ventura County residents are jumping into their cars to make the commute home. Most will arrive safe and sound, but a few unlucky Southland motorists will be involved in minor accidents commonly called “fender benders,” which involve no injury and typically result in nominal damage to the cars.

Many times, though, motorists make the one mistake that can turn an ordinary fender bender into a deadly collision.

After a minor accident, drivers often stop their cars in the middle of traffic and get out, not only to exchange information but to wait for officers to arrive. According to California Highway Patrol (CHP) officials, this is a critical, possibly deadly, mistake to be avoided whenever possible.

“Even for CHP officers, the most dangerous place to be is outside your car in a traffic lane, especially if it’s on a freeway,” said Officer George Meyers of the Moorpark CHP.

Meyers said unless someone is injured or the car is so damaged it cannot be moved, motorists should pull to the side of the road after a fender bender.

If it’s an accident on the freeway, Meyers said the safest place to wait for the police or exchange information is completely off the freeway.

Never stop at the entrance or exit of an onor off-ramp. Known as the “gore point,” it’s the scene of many deadly accidents.

By pulling off the road, Meyers said motorists not only get themselves out of harm’s way, but also help keep traffic flowing. Better traffic flow means a quicker response time by the CHP. Another accident may also be prevented.

“I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve seen a less serious accident cause another accident, even more serious, because people just stopped in the middle of road,” Meyers said.

CHP officials said many motorists don’t move their cars for

fear of disturbing evidence.

“People don’t think an officer will be able to figure out who was at fault,” Meyers said. “Ninetynine percent of the time we can tell what happened even if the vehicles are moved just by looking at the vehicle damage and looking at the evidence on the road.”

Drivers also don’t move their cars for fear that the other driver will leave the scene. Meyers said that it’s best to quickly exchange driver’s licenses and then get off the road. Meyers added that stranded

motorists should never stand between two cars on the side of the road and should always keep an eye on approaching traffic. He said that many times he’s had to run up an embankment to escape a car that has drifted into the shoulder.

Never change a tire on a freeway. In

the event of a flat

tire, slowly drive off the freeway to find a safe place to change the tire.

Meyers said that all drivers should know a non-emergency stop along the freeway is illegal and unsafe.

For more information about safe driving tips, visit the CHP website at www.chp.ca.gov.