Case Study

In January of 2001, a van carrying eleven occupants, including the driver, was involved in a fatal crash while en route to a business-related function. The van was in the left lane traveling southbound on a major interstate under icy conditions. According to witnesses, the van was traveling 25-30 mph above the maximum speed warranted by the weather and road conditions.

It slid out of control, crossed the 40-foot wide median and collided with a northbound tractor-trailer rig. The roof of the van was crushed down to the level of the seat upon impact with the truck's front grill. Both vehicles skidded across the northbound lanes, hit a light pole and ended up several hundred feet from the point of impact. All eleven occupants of the van, including four who were ejected, were fatally injured in the crash; the truck driver sustained minor injuries.