ORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve Montiero answers viewer questions about the rules of the road, helping Orlando-area residents become better drivers by being better educated.
Trooper Steve on Tuesday was asked about a recent highway crash that occurred when a driver missed an exit and stopped on the roadway.
“Have you seen the video of the Ohio driver causing that pileup and leaving the scene? Can they be held liable,” the viewer asked.
[Watch video below for Trooper Steve’s explanation]
First, let me make something very clear: I am not an attorney. But I am someone who’s seen the worst of the worst when it comes to crashes, and I speak from a place of wanting to prevent tragedy, not assign legal blame.
When I saw the video of that Ohio crash, my stomach turned. It instantly reminded me of one of the worst crashes I ever responded to here in Central Florida.
On the Florida Turnpike, a driver missed his exit and decided to travel in reverse on the highway to make it back. A semitruck going about 70 mph slammed into him from behind. The car erupted into flames, and tragically, the driver was killed on impact.
That memory has stuck with me over the years.
As for the Ohio minivan driver, they narrowly escaped death. But what they left behind was a chain reaction that could’ve easily turned deadly.
If I were the responding trooper on that scene, you can bet I’d be documenting that driver’s actions as a contributing factor, especially with clear video evidence that could easily turn into a criminal investigation.
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So, let’s clear something up that, frankly, I never thought we’d need to explain: Under no circumstance should you come to a complete stop in an active travel lane if your car is still drivable.
If you’re having a medical or mechanical emergency, pull off the road. If you miss your exit, keep going to the next one. Turning around, stopping or driving in reverse on a highway is never the solution.
Why? The only outcome you’re setting up is potentially catastrophic.
I share this not to shame anyone, but because I’ve seen the aftermath. I’ve stood on those roadways, I’ve seen the mangled cars, and I’ve looked into the eyes of families who’ve just lost someone they loved. Trust me when I say that it is not worth it.
If you have a traffic question for Trooper Steve, submit it here.
[Video below answers this question: Can I drive barefoot in Florida?]