As we were driving home from Napa late last night we were suddenly stopped on Highway 29 southbound. Emergency vehicles fought to get through from both directions, including Sheriff, Fire Department, Paramedics, and virtually everyone in the county who responds to major accidents. The wreckage strewn across the highway covered the entire road surface, and the vehicle was horribly damaged. As I drove past the remains of the car involved, I snapped this photo of the fire rescue worker responding at the scene.

This was yet one more scary reminder of the risks of drinking and driving. This appeared to be a one-car accident, and may have been due to losing control of the vehicle and rolling over and over. As Californians, we love visiting the Wine Country of Napa, Sonoma, St. Helena, and the other gorgeous towns that encompass the region. We may taste wines at several wineries and wind up the evening with a fine dinner at one of area’s many splendid restaurants, especially on a beautiful summer weekend in July. Underestimating the effects of alcohol, drivers brave the roads to get home, tired and under the influence, and horrible and fatal accidents can be the result.

I was glad that I had been driving cautiously, keeping the speed between 50 and 60, at or below the speed limit, and with a large distance between our car and vehicles ahead. Keeping adequate distance while driving on the highway is the safety rule most drivers ignore as they tailgate and try to pass the cars ahead of them. Remember, a distance of 3 to 4 seconds behind the vehicle ahead of you on a highway provides you with the time you need to see a risk ahead, slow down and stop without a problem. This is particularly true on weekend evenings during the summer, wherever you may be, and particularly in the Wine Country of Northern California.

Cliff Blackman, personal injury attorney

http://www.blackmanlaw.com/