Three passengers, including two children, were injured Thursday evening when an SUV left the roadway and overturned at Missouri 22 and Route Y in Audrain County.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash happened around 5:15 p.m. on June 26. A westbound 2017 Dodge Journey traveled off the roadway for an unknown reason. The driver then overcorrected and lost control, causing the vehicle to overturn. Two occupants were ejected from the SUV.
An 11-year-old boy and a 34-year-old woman suffered serious injuries. A 13-year-old girl suffered moderate injuries. The crash report identified all three as passengers in the vehicle.
Rollover crashes often result in serious injuries because occupants can be thrown violently inside the vehicle or ejected from it. The Highway Patrol report listed no safety device in use for the three injured passengers. Seat belts are a critical safeguard because they help keep occupants in their seats and reduce the risk of being thrown from a vehicle during a crash.
Drivers also have a responsibility to maintain control of their vehicles and use added caution when responding to an unexpected roadway departure. A sudden overcorrection can quickly cause a vehicle to veer across the road, roll over, or strike other hazards. Careful steering, safe speeds, and attentive driving can help prevent a momentary loss of control from becoming a devastating crash.
If you have information that may be related to the prosecution of this case, please contact A.W. Smith Law.
