The owners of Custom Hearth stove store were certainly not expecting what happened on a recent Thursday afternoon. It was business as usual at the store until a Dodge Durango crashed into a corner of the store, according to news reports. Luckily, no one was injured in the crash, but the property damage caused by the crash was extensive. The reason for the car crash — the truck driver’s flip-flop sandal got stuck on the accelerator pedal.
Flip-Flop Accidents Are Not As Uncommon As You Might Think
As strange as this story sounds, accidents like this one are actually not uncommon. The Washington State Patrol advises people not to drive while wearing flip-flop sandals, according to Washington State Patrol Trooper Matt McMillen. Minor accidents such as fender benders that are caused by stuck sandals are something that the Trooper sees frequently.
Law enforcement officials say that if a gas pedal gets stuck, for any reason, slamming on the brakes will sometimes work by overriding the gas pedal. Another option is to put the car in neutral. Although this may not be good for your transmission, it is certainly preferable to being involved in a high-speed accident.
Accidents caused by a stuck gas pedal, in general, are relatively common. Other times, human error is to blame for the problem. Flip-flops are not the only type of footwear that can create a problem either. High-heeled shoes, boots or any type of shoe that can get wedged in where it should not be, or that can create a problem with movement, can be dangerous. In addition to shoes, objects that fall from the seats or console can also create a hazard to the driver.
The bottom line is that a driver should be comfortable and have complete freedom of movement when operating a vehicle in order to avoid accidents like the one that took place last Thursday.
If you have been involved in a Yakima-area car accident and believe that the other driver was to blame for the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and the damage done by the other driver.
The car accident lawyers at Mariano Morales Law, based in Yakima, can help. Contact our Washington State legal team today by calling (509) 853-2222 or by using our online contact form for your free initial consultation.
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