Multiple factors may have contributed to a deadly crash in July of 2003 that claimed the lives of three of five occupants of a van when it veered off the road and onto a gravel shoulder. The van carried members of rock band “Exploding Hearts” as it drove all night, following a concert performance in San Francisco. At 6:00 a.m., near Eugene, Oregon, the van left the pavement, drove onto a gravel shoulder and rolled over as the driver tried to steer it back onto the highway.

Just one of the five occupants was wearing a seatbelt. Three of the four unbelted occupants died. The driver was only 20 years old.

What were the likely factors in the crash?

• Sleepiness—Driving all night following their engagement, the band members—including the driver—were obviously tired.
• Non-use of seatbelts—With only one occupant using his seatbelt, the other occupants were completely at risk of serious injury, or worse. And for three of the unrestrained four it was worse: death. Somehow, one unbelted occupant survived, along with the lone seatbelt user.
• Type of vehicle—Vans are top-heavy vehicles that roll over more easily than passenger cars.
• Driver inexperience—The 20-year-old driver probably had only 3 to 4 years of driving experience. Experts say that it takes at least 5 years before a driver can be considered experienced. Drivers under 20 are five times more likely to die in a crash as drivers 25 and 69.
• Road construction—Work zones. The van swerved off the road and onto the shoulder, which was gravel. These shoulders are often lower than the adjacent pavement, creating an excessive edge drop-off. Typically, when a vehicle’s wheel catches on such an edge, it can cause the vehicle to swerve and possibly roll over.

What lessons can be learned from this tragic crash?

• Always wear your seatbelt, each and every time you drive or ride in a vehicle.
• If you are sleepy or have been awake for more than 20 hours, stop driving and take a nap. Taking even a half-hour nap will help revive you and restore alertness. Driving drowsy is much like driving drunk—your judgment and reactions are impaired.
• If one or both wheels go off the edge of the pavement, don’t jerk the steering wheel to get them back on the road. An abrupt over-reaction can send your car out of control. Instead, slow down and gently steer the vehicle back onto the pavement.