Every driver understands the frustration of being stuck behind a slow-moving vehicle, but passing the car or truck in front of you requires great care. This is especially true on a two-lane road shared with traffic moving in the opposite direction. Even when it’s legal to pass, a moment of carelessness could lead to a tragedy.

Authorities say a Kitsap County accident on Christmas Day was caused by a motorist who failed to return to their lane promptly after passing another vehicle. The two-vehicle head-on collision on Viking Way NW near Poulsbo resulted in one fatality and two serious injuries.

According to law enforcement reports, the motorist in a 2008 Suzuki traveling southbound entered the northbound lane to pass. He hit a vehicle head-on that was traveling northbound. The driver of the Suzuki was pronounced dead at the scene, and a male driver and female passenger in the other car required hospitalization.

There are several reasons why so many auto accidents occur during attempted passes on two-lane roads, such as: 

• Limited visibility — Many two-lane roads curve, have hills or are lined with trees and other obstructions, making it difficult to see oncoming traffic. This can be true even if the lanes are separated with a broken line indicating that passing is allowed.

• High closing speeds — Motorists accelerate to get ahead of the vehicle in front of them, and might not have time to brake or maneuver away if they see a car or truck heading at them. Meanwhile, the oncoming vehicle might not be expecting someone to be in front of their car. Consequently, the combined speeds trigger a devastating impact, leading to severe injuries or fatalities.

• Mismanagement of distance and speed — Drivers frequently underestimate how quickly an oncoming vehicle is approaching, leaving them with too little time to complete the pass safely.

• Road conditions — Slippery or wet roads can make it even harder to return to the correct lane in time, increasing the risk of a collision.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious accident caused by someone else’s unsafe pass or any other factor, GSJones Law Group, P.S. in Port Orchard will help you pursue payment for medical bills, lost wages and other compensable damages. Please call 360-876-9221 or contact us online for a consultation. We assist residents of Kitsap, Mason and Jefferson counties, as well as Vashon Island.