HRBT Crash Highlights Dangers of Following Too Closely

An eight-vehicle crash was the result of one driver following too closely, police say. The driver of a Price electric truck was charged for his involvement in a multi-vehicle collision in the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel on May 15, 2019.

According to reports, the truck struck the vehicle in front of it and swerved into the path of a tractor-trailer carrying hot tar. This caused the tractor-trailer to strike the wall of the tunnel, setting off a chain reaction crash involving a total of eight vehicles.

Thankfully, no one was injured in the immediate accident, though several people did suffer minor injuries in the secondary crashes that followed. The tunnel was closed for several hours while clean up crews worked to clear the accident. Given the scope of this collision, it’s miraculous the damages weren’t more serious.

The Three Second Rule

Bridges and tunnels are the bread and butter of the Hampton Roads transit system, but locals and tourists alike struggle to follow at a distance sometimes. While it’s never a good idea to follow too closely, it is especially dangerous in a tunnel like the HRBT. With no margin for error, crashes become unavoidable if a motorist is following too close. We recommend following the three-second rule to ensure you’re far enough behind the cars ahead. To use the rule, pick a landmark on the horizon, like a road sign or street light. As the car in front of you passes the landmark, begin counting. If you reach three or more seconds before you pass by the landmark yourself, you’re following at a safe distance. Less than three seconds could indicate an unsafe following distance.

Free Consultations for Accident Victims

If you or someone you love has been involved in a Hampton Roads car accident, it’s a good idea to set up a consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney. While not every car accident requires legal action, many victims can benefit from the advice of a lawyer.

Virginia Personal Injury Lawyers

For over 33 years, our personal injury lawyers have helped victims injured by someone else’s negligence. If you or your loved one has been injured in an accident because of someone else’s negligence, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to protect your rights. Whether in Norfolk, Virginia Beach or any other part of Virginia, contact us for a free consultation.