On February 1, 2002, on interstate 95/495 near Largo, Maryland, a 1998 Ford Explorer Sport, traveling northbound, veered off the left side of the roadway, crossed over the median, climbed up a guardrail, flipped over, and landed on top of a southbound 2001 Ford Windstar minivan. Subsequently, a 1998 Jeep Cherokee ran into the minivan. Of the eight people involved in the accident, five adults were fatally injured, one adult sustained minor injuries, and two children were uninjured. The following safety issues were identified in this accident: the accident driver's speed, operating inexperience, and unfamiliarity with the vehicle; the use of a wireless telephone while operating a vehicle; the need for technology to aid vehicle stability; and the adequacy of the existing barrier system. As a result of this accident investigation, the National Transportation Safety Board issued recommendations to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 49 states (exclusion -- New Jersey), the American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association, and The Advertising Council, Inc. The Safety Board also reiterates Safety Recommendations H-98-12 and -24 to the Federal Highway Administration and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, respectively. (Author/publisher)
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