Turnpike U-turn crash

[patric]

After the initial shock and grief of loosing one of their own, about now would be a good time for the Oklahoma Highway Patrol to remind us how dangerous it is to attempt a turnaround on an interstate highway, and that even the most experienced can make mistakes.

"The family of an Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper killed in an accident Sunday says he died while trying to turn around on the Will Rogers Turnpike.  Trooper William McClendon's family says he was headed for an emergency call when he was notified the call was canceled. His sister-in-law says McClendon was trying to turn around through a concrete barrier opening when his vehicle collided with the semi. McClendon died at the scene."
http://www.kotv.com/news/local/story/?id=112035



Despite the trooper's family being briefed on the details, the accident investigation remains open in the hopes that someone may come forward with another story.  Little has been said about the truck driver also killed in the tragedy, other than being blamed for not wearing a seatbelt.

[Conan71]

Out of the three or four photos published in the TW yesterday, I didn't see the patrol car anywhere in the photos.  No one has said so far that I've heard where it landed.  That looks like a bumper from it near the guard rail...sheesh that must have been awful to have to work the wreck of a fallen comrade.

[sgrizzle]

Looks like it's on the side of the road, below the tow truck in the picture.

[patric]

quote:Originally posted by Conan71

I didn't see the patrol car anywhere in the photos.

Under the truck.

[rwarn17588]

Officially, state police aren't saying or aren't sure what caused the accident, although the U-turn theory seems to have a lot of legs.

Makes me think the cop didn't see the truck because of a blind spot in the car, or he just didn't look behind thoroughly enough.

[Conan71]

I'm guessing under the blue tarp.  What a tragedy.

[Downtowner]

My daughter drove up on the wreck just after it happened and his siren was still blaring although somewhat muffled.  Lots of people stopping, on cell phones and trying to pull him out of his car.  She didn't stop as she had her 7-year old son with her. She was sure he didn't survive.

[rwarn17588]

Did your daughter call the OHP, Downtowner? The state police have been begging for witnesses to the accident to call.

[Downtowner]

quote:Originally posted by rwarn17588

Did your daughter call the OHP, Downtowner? The state police have been begging for witnesses to the accident to call.

Yes, she did.

[rwarn17588]

Good.

[DM]

The uturn theory is something I thought of when I saw the photos too. All of the OHP cars that I have seen do the Uturn through those gaps have done it fairly safe. But I had a claim a few years ago with a person that hit a ambulance that did a uturn.

This whole thing is really sad not only because it was an OHP trooper, but the truck driver was only 25 or something.

[mspivey]

I know of two wreckers that have been hit making u-turns on the Turner in the last 15 years, one of which ended in a fatality and the other left the driver of the wrecker disabled.

I preach to my wrecker contractors all the time not to do turnarounds, even though it costs me more money to go to the next gate.

I would guess the OHP is not under that restriction. It's a tough deal. We all make mistakes. Unfortunately, this one had graver consequenses.

[patric]

quote:Originally posted by mspivey

I know of two wreckers that have been hit making u-turns on the Turner in the last 15 years, one of which ended in a fatality and the other left the driver of the wrecker disabled.

The breaches in the Jersey barriers were supposed to be for emergencies only, if I recall.
Restricting casual use seems a small price to pay, given the consequences.

[si_uk_lon_ok]

quote:Originally posted by patric

quote:Originally posted by mspivey

I know of two wreckers that have been hit making u-turns on the Turner in the last 15 years, one of which ended in a fatality and the other left the driver of the wrecker disabled.

The breaches in the Jersey barriers were supposed to be for emergencies only, if I recall.
Restricting casual use seems a small price to pay, given the consequences.

I was writing a report today. U turns not only cause lots of accidents, the exact amount is not quantified, but a U turn accident is twice as likely to be serious or fatal than a usual crash at simular speeds. I really think that U turns should be sealed, unless there are no alternative routes.

[Conan71]

quote:Originally posted by si_uk_lon_ok

quote:Originally posted by patric

quote:Originally posted by mspivey

I know of two wreckers that have been hit making u-turns on the Turner in the last 15 years, one of which ended in a fatality and the other left the driver of the wrecker disabled.

The breaches in the Jersey barriers were supposed to be for emergencies only, if I recall.
Restricting casual use seems a small price to pay, given the consequences.

I was writing a report today. U turns not only cause lots of accidents, the exact amount is not quantified, but a U turn accident is twice as likely to be serious or fatal than a usual crash at simular speeds. I really think that U turns should be sealed, unless there are no alternative routes.

SI- the problem is, the Will Rogers and Turner Turnpikes have barriers in the median for their full lengths.  If there is an emergency, an officer might have to drive 15 miles or more to reach an exit to turn around, then go back in the opposite direction.

I'm not trying to diminish your point about U-turns.

I'd want to see the numbers, but I'm sure there have been more lives saved by limiting the number of head-on collisions along both these turnpikes since barriers have been installed than lives lost due to U-turns.  Often there are trade-offs when it comes to safety.