Posted by Adele, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Jan 1, 2009 at 6:19 pm

I often read articles about people who get out of the cars after a crash and then are hit by a passing vehicle. I also hear about car gas tanks exploding after a crash. Here's my question, after a crash and if your car is not blocking traffic, should you stay in the car or get out?

Posted by src, a resident of the Mohr Park neighborhood, on Jan 2, 2009 at 8:46 am

With the exception of the Ford Pinto (and that was criminal negligence), car gas tanks do not routinely explode, except in movies. You are far safer staying in your car, in your seat belt, until emergency help arrives. That applies whether you are blocking traffic lanes or pulled to the side of the highway

Posted by Eduard, a resident of the Another Pleasanton neighborhood neighborhood, on Jan 3, 2009 at 9:12 am

For sure an accident is never a good experience, and almost every time will rattle those nerves. When I did my first-aid training, the instructors always recommended that we keep the patients in the vehicles until the area is safe and secure.

When you are in an accident on the freeway or in the neighborhood, remain in your vehicle until you are certain you are safe. If possible, move you vehicle (by means of driving and not pushing it) to the side of the road. If not possible, just remain in your vehicle until the emergency services arrive on the scene.

Posted by John Williams, a resident of the Birdland neighborhood, on Jan 6, 2009 at 3:31 pm

One can only wonder about the driving skills of the 73 year old. Hitting a pedestrian (even on a highway) is pretty bad. Did she not see the girl?