Cleveland area drivers are likely aware of what is known as Dead Man's Curve. This area of roadway is known for its frequency of car and truck accidents, though is - to date - more likely to cause injury than death. Earlier this month, this curve contributed to yet another accident involving a speeding tractor-trailer and another vehicle that was struck by cargo falling from the truck during the accident. While no one appears to have been seriously injured as a result of the accident, it again raises safety concerns to this roadway.
The Ohio Department of Transportation has acknowledged that this curve is below modern standards of road safety and design. In the past, there have been attempts to lower the accident risk by reducing speed limits, adding rumble strips, and posting larger speed limit signs. However, it appears that greater measures might have to be taken to bring about permanent change. Nevertheless, the restructuring of this roadway that would soften the curve is estimated to cost $301 million.
Out of the over two million trucks that are said to travel this curve annually, there have been approximately 63 accidents since 2009. This is not as alarming as it could be, yet there is still a real and dangerous risk for both truck drivers and others on the road. Some of the responsibility for reducing this risk comes from the subpar road construction, but some comes from the drivers of these trucks and the company's that designate their routes.
As mentioned in our May 23 post ("Research on truck accidents reveals high-frequency rollover areas"), research began several months ago to begin to address high-risk rollover locations such as Cleveland's Dead Man's Curve. While the current status of this initiative is unknown, truck accidents such as this seem to indicate that something greater must be done. When these types of accidents occur, a subsequent personal injury or wrongful death claim may seek relief from a governmental agency accused of ignoring safety concerns, as well as against others whose negligence is deemed to have caused or contributed to the injuries sustained.
Source: Cleveland.com, "Cleveland's Dead Man's Curve not going to stop tipping trucks anytime soon (23-photo gallery)," Aaron Marshall, July 22, 2012
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