A deadly wrong-way driving crash claimed the lives of 8 people in New York on Sunday afternoon after a minivan traveled the wrong way on a suburban parkway for almost 2 miles before striking another car. Killed in the deadly motor vehicle collision were the minivan’s driver, 36-year-old Diane Schuler, her 2-year-old daughter Erin, three of her nieces, Emma, 9, Alison, 7, and Kate, 5 (her three nieces are the daughters of her brother, Warren Hance, who owns the minivan), driver Guy Bastardi, his father Michael, and Daniel Longo. Schuler’s 5-year-old son Brian, who was also riding in the minivan, sustained a head injury and is in a hospital.
Schuler’s Ford Windstar reportedly entered the Taconic State Parkway through it’s exit ramp. The minivan then crossed three lanes and drove around oncoming traffic for 1.7 miles before striking the Chevy Trailblazer that was transporting the three men. Six motorists reportedly contacted 911 to tell them that the minivan was going the wrong way. The Windstar also hit another vehicle, but fortunately, the driver and passenger only sustained minor injuries.
Police say that Schuler was not under any medication and did not have a history of medical problems that could have contributed to causing the fatal wrong-way crash. Hance says his sister told him just two hours before the fatal crash that she wasn’t feeling well. He says he told her to pull over but he doesn’t know what happened after their phone conversation.
Wrong-Way Driving Crashes
The Fatality Analysis Reporting System says about 350 people die in wrong-driving crashes every year. A wrong-way driving accident can be extremely dangerous not just for motorists and pedestrians that may be caught by surprise when they see a motorist coming toward them while in the same lane, but also for the driver who is driving the wrong-way and for his or her passengers. Wrong-way crashes can lead to fatal head-on collisions.
Boston wrong-way driving crashes can lead to serious injury accidents and deaths.
Cops: NY driver in deadly wrong-way crash felt ill, Boston Herald, July 27, 2009
5-year-old survivor of wrong-way N.Y. crash critical, USA Today, July 26, 2009
Van Drove Wrong Way for 2 Miles Before Crash, NY Times, July 27, 2009
Related Web Resource:
FARS
Car Accidents Overview, Justia
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