Virginia State Police claim that “heavy fog causing zero visibility for drivers in the Fancy Gap area” caused a series of multi-car collisions on November 16, 2010 in the southbound lanes of Interstate 77 in Carroll County, Virginia.
I would argue that the police have got it wrong.
Following too close caused these cars to crash. Every one of the estimated 50 vehicles in the fatal pile-ups was following too close.
Poor driving conditions make driving dangerous, of course. But if drivers would follow “The Brick Wall Rule,” crashes like this one would not happen regardless of fog, snow, wind or rain.
The Brick Wall Rule:
You should be far enough behind the car in front of you that if that car suddenly turned into a brick wall, you could stop before you hit it.
It’s a simple rule is easy to remember and imagine. It’s a rule that could save lives.
Two fatalities have been confirmed from the accidents in Carroll County, Virginia.
Four people were reportedly in critical condition as of the evening of November 16, according to an article on wxii12.com.
Another 20 people—at least—were injured in the pile-ups. Fortunately, most of the injuries were minor, “bumps, bruises, scrapes, lacerations,” according to Robin Hodgin, chief administrator of patient care services at Northern Hospital of Surry County.
Injured victims were assisted at the scene by “seven county rescue squads and emergency service units.” They were taken to hospitals in both Virginia and North Carolina, including Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital in Elkin, NC and Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC in addition to Northern Hospital of Surry County, Mount Airy, NC.
For more information on following too close or The Brick Wall Rule, download my FREE book, Don’t Follow Too Close, today!