The Kaweah Commonwealth Online - Weekly News:
The Kaweah Commonwealth Online - Weekly News: "A Chevrolet Suburban descending Generals Highway in Sequoia National Park on the afternoon of Monday, Oct. 20, became a speeding deathtrap for a family of six as its brakes failed. It is estimated that the vehicle reached speeds of 50 to 55 miles per hour in areas where the speed limit is posted at 25 m.p.h. before crashing near Potwisha Campground.When the driver realized the brakes were no longer operable, he began passing vehicles to avoid hitting them from behind. After passing one vehicle, the Suburban re-entered its own lane to avoid oncoming traffic, and in doing so, hit a pickup truck.The Suburban then left the roadway and hit a large oak tree. The occupants of the pickup were not injured, but six people in the Suburban sustained injuries.Two of the victims were airlifted to medical facilities; four others were transported by ambulance. All are expected to recover from their injuries.The investigating ranger believes that the driver did not downshift the vehicle, but instead overused the brakes on the narrow, curvy road that descends 4,700 vertical feet in just under 17 miles, from Giant Forest to the Ash Mountain entrance station.'I've worked many accidents and most of them have been the result of people riding their brakes too hard until they fail,' said Scott Martin, park ranger and the accident's incident commander.' It is very important to remember to downshift when traveling on the Generals Highway, up or down these steep grades. If the people involved in this accident had not been wearing their seatbelts, this could have resulted in a real tragedy." Eight of the last 12 accidents in the Ash Mountain area have been brake-related.
Link: http://www.kaweahcommonwealth.com/10-03/10-31features.htm
- posted by Jim @ 10:58 PM