Drivers everywhere, not just in New Haven, Connecticut, are expected to drive safely at all times. The rules of the road are often based on the primary assumption that no driver would willingly allow a vehicle to drift between lanes and endanger the lives of other people on the road.

A recent car crash, which occurred in Columbia, Connecticut, illustrates what can go wrong if a person fails to stay in the designated lane in which that person was driving. In the accident, the driver of one car crossed into the opposing lane and hit an approaching vehicle, head on. Both the driver and the victim involved in the head-on collision were taken to nearby hospitals and both people were treated for broken legs. The first driver was also injured in the chest and had to be airlifted by the LifeStar Service, according to state police.

Thankfully, the injuries suffered were not considered life-threatening, although it is undeniable that they caused a great deal of pain and suffering. It is not known whether the driver lost control of the vehicle for a reason such as falling asleep at the wheel or some other reason. However, greater alertness on the driver’s part may have helped to prevent the accident altogether. It is perhaps easy to understand that the accident could have resulted in people losing their lives if things had gone differently.

In situations like this accident, drivers that drive outside of their lane may be at fault for the accident. If that driver was negligent, the driver could be held financially responsible for the injuries that occurred. This may result in criminal penalties, and the driver may also have to bear the cost of medical treatment for the victim. In the event that the accident becomes the subject of a lawsuit, there could be other costs and more severe penalties as well.

Source: NBC Connecticut, “2 Hospitalized After Route 6 Crash in Columbia,” Jessie Sawyer, July 11, 2014