Non-Injury Crash Leads to Man’s Death on the I-10

A 28-year-old Santee man was killed Saturday on the westbound I-10 in the aftermath of a non-injury collision. Authorities say that James Kenrod had exited his 2014 Subaru Legacy after the crash, which occurred in the number two lane. The crash had disabled Kerod’s car, and he had stepped out of the car to inspect the damage when the car was struck from behind by a 2008 Honda CRV driven by a 58-year-old man from Alhambra. The Honda then also struck Kenrod. The other driver was reportedly uninjured. Police say that Kenrod was pronounced dead at a Banning hospital shortly after 8 p.m.

This tragic accident underscores the need for increased awareness of what to do after a car crash. The most important thing is to ensure your safety and if possible, the safety of those around you. While in this instance, Kenrod’s car was disabled and thus unable to be moved out of traffic, if it’s possible, move to the side of the road and out of the way of oncoming traffic, notes Edmunds. Leaving a car parked in the middle of a busy intersection or roadway can lead to just such the scenario that played out on the I-10 on Saturday. If the car cannot be moved, then Edmunds recommends that all drivers and passengers remain “in the cars with seatbelts fastened for everyone’s safety until help arrives.” Edmunds says to turn on the vehicle’s hazard lights and if possible, set out flares, cones or warning triangles, but only if it is safe to do so. Keep in mind when lighting a flare that they can be dangerous in themselves, igniting anything flammable.

If you do exit the vehicle, be mindful of oncoming traffic and don’t expect them to see you. Even in good lighting conditions and with ample time for drivers to notice your stalled vehicle, you can’t count on drivers to be paying attention. Exit to the side clear to the shoulder, suggests safety experts, even if this means crawling over the passenger seat to get out of the car. If possible, get as far away from moving traffic as you can while you wait for help to arrive. Mobiloil.com suggests while you wait for help to place the car in “neutral” instead of “park.” This will reduce the strength of the impact if you were to be rear-ended.

Even if you are capable of doing so, do not attempt any sort of car repair until your vehicle is off the roadway. It is incredibly hazardous to your safety to work under the hood of a car, under the car or even alongside the car while traffic whizzes by.

If you have been injured in a car accident, give our San Francisco car accident attorney a call. We can help you hold the at-fault party responsible and file a claim for your losses, including medical bills, lost wages and more. Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with our compassionate legal staff today.