Saturday Accident on New York State Thruway Is a Good Reminder

This past Saturday, the Vails Gate Fire Department was called out for an accident on the New York State Thruway, which involved 2 vehicles, one with as many as 15 people in it.

Van Carrying 15 People, Including Children, Crashes on New York State Thruway

When the Vails Gate Fire Department arrived, it was revealed that the accident was on the Thruway at mile marker 57 and that the New York State Police were already assisting people in a van that was blocking the left lane.

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According to the information shared by the Vails Gate Fire Department on social media, there was a second car involved and the was on the right shoulder. Extra manpower was requested due to the number of passengers with injuries in the van.

Person Trapped in Crashed Van on New York State Thruway

There was one person who was confirmed to be heavily entrapped in the van. Getting them out required multiple teams.  New Windsor EMS cared for the patient once they had been freed, and they eventually turned the patient over to Lifenet Air 2.

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At this point, the accident is still under investigation, but accidents such as this remind us that as we head into summer and do more traveling, we must prepare ourselves for the possibility of accidents. Plus, we need to be diligent so that we don't drive distracted.

AAA Tips For Preventing Distracted Driving

AAA has a list of ten things to keep in mind so that we don't become distracted on the road.  The list includes: put away your cell phone, secure children and pets. It also includes the idea that the driver should stay fully focused on driving, so it is a good idea to let a passenger be a co-pilot, helping with directions and road signs.

Saturday's accident on the Thruway at this time has not been determined to have been caused by distracted driving, but after reading about the crash, I really think it is a good idea we all refresh ourselves with the idea of how easy it is to be distracted when we drive.