At least three people have died in a crash that happened in Archer County on Tuesday. According to KFDX News Channel Three, the multi-car crash occurred on Highway 82, west of Dundee. Three people were pronounced dead on the scene. One woman was pinned under a trailer and then air lifted to United Regional Hospital. Both directions of the highway were closed for at least five hours following the crash.
Vehicle Crosses Centerline on Highway 82
Initial reports indicate that this collision was caused by a pickup truck heading eastbound on Highway 82. For currently unknown reasons, the pickup truck crossed the center line. The collision caused one truck to catch fire and another truck to leave the roadway. Although investigators are still trying to piece together the details, it appears as though one vehicle struck two separate pickup trucks.
Fatal Crash Still Under Investigation
When the eastbound truck crossed the centerline, it struck the side of a trailer being towed by a pickup truck, and then struck the second vehicle head on. At this time, what caused the vehicle to cross the centerline is still unclear. Could it have been a case of distracted driving? What caused the driver to cross the centerline?
Distracted Driving in Texoma
It’s not uncommon for distracted driving to be a factor when a vehicle unintentionally leaves its lane or the roadway. Any time a driver takes his or her attention away from the task of driving, there is a potential for disaster. It may be necessary to access cell phone records to determine if a driver was talking or texting at the time of a wreck.
It’s important to note that cell phones aren’t the only distractions behind the wheel. Any task that takes visual, manual or cognitive attention away from the roadway is considered a distraction. Manipulating a GPS machine or changing the station on a radio can also be distractions. Eating food and grooming habits, like putting on makeup, can also take a driver’s attention away from the wheel.
While the cause of this tragic wreck remains under investigation, KFDX News Channel Three’s most recent report states that the female victim is still in critical condition. The team at the Altman Legal Group sends their deepest condolences to the family members and friends of the deceased victims, and wishes a speedy and full recovery to the woman who remains in the hospital.