Truck Crash Causes Delays On SR-417
When tractor-trailers get into an accident, the results are often catastrophic. Fortunately, all the damage that happened in a recent crash was a smashed-up guardrail.
A crash happened on the morning of January 7. A tractor-trailer hit a guardrail, causing major delays for drivers.
The accident occurred on southbound State Road 417 near Celebration Ave in Osceola County. It appears that the truck was the only vehicle involved. The cause of the crash is unknown. Fortunately, nobody was injured. All lanes of State Road 417 were shut down for some time, but were later reopened.
Crashes Involving Guardrails
Crashes involving guardrails are common on highways, ramps, and rural roads. Ironically, they can lead to serious injuries despite guardrails being designed as safety features. While guardrails are intended to prevent vehicles from leaving the roadway or striking more dangerous obstacles, collisions with them can still be severe.
Common causes of guardrail crashes include speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, poor weather conditions, sharp curves, and loss of vehicle control. In some cases, drivers hit guardrails while trying to avoid another vehicle or obstacle.
Types of injuries from guardrail accidents range from whiplash and broken bones to traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage. Motorcyclists and occupants of smaller vehicles face a higher risk of catastrophic injuries, especially if a guardrail penetrates the vehicle or fails to absorb impact properly.
Guardrail Design and Maintenance
Design and maintenance play a critical role in whether a guardrail actually protects motorists or contributes to serious injuries during a crash. Although guardrails are intended to absorb impact and redirect vehicles, failures in either area can turn them into dangerous hazards.
Guardrail design issues often involve outdated or improperly chosen systems. Older guardrails may not meet current safety standards and can lack energy-absorbing features found in modern designs. Improper end terminals are especially dangerous; instead of slowing or redirecting a vehicle, blunt or buried ends can act like rigid spears. Design problems may also arise when the guardrail type does not match the roadway conditions, such as using a system not rated for the speed limit, traffic volume, or vehicle mix.
Installation errors are another common concern. Even a well-designed guardrail can fail if it is installed incorrectly. Posts set too shallow, incorrect soil compaction, improper bolt connections, or misaligned rail sections can prevent the system from flexing as intended. Gaps between rail segments or poorly transitioned sections near bridges and concrete barriers can increase the risk of rollover.
Maintenance deficiencies can develop over time. Guardrails damaged in prior crashes may not be repaired promptly, leaving weakened or twisted sections that cannot safely absorb impact. Corrosion, rotting posts, missing hardware, or vegetation overgrowth can reduce visibility and structural integrity.
Contact Us Today
Large semi trucks can cause a lot of damage and injuries in a crash. Fortunately, nobody was injured in this accident.
These cases are complex. A Kissimmee truck accident lawyer from Draper Law Office can assist with the investigation and help you protect your legal rights. Schedule a consultation today by filling out the online form or calling (407) 743-6628.
Source:
fox35orlando.com/news/crash-shuts-down-part-sr-417-southbound-osceola-county
