RE: [a/s] Re hitch - from Ruth & Dan

["Phil Sinewe" <psinewe@xxxxxxxxxx>]

People tend to justify an accident simply because the other guy was at
fault.  Not being the driver "found at fault" or "cited" should not preclude
a person from reviewing an accident and seeing if there was anything they
could have done to avoid it, never implying that Ruth and Don's accident was
avoidable.  That is how we review accidents with fire engines and
ambulances, certainly we (fire engines) have the right of way, but the final
question is, could the driver have avoided the accident anyway, no matter
how stupid the other guy was.  Getting killed by another guys mistake is
just as dead as being killed if it is your fault. In this case, the issue is
not how the hitch could have prevented the 18 wheeler from hitting them and
has everything to do with how they could have gotten out of his way, once
again, never implying that Ruth and Don's accident was avoidable.

If the drives was totally, 100%, unable to move out of the way then sure the
hitch had nothing at all to do with it.  However, the more stable and
maneuverable the trailer/tow vehicles is, the more likely you are to avoid
an accident.  I would certainly consider that, after having an accident and
then looking to replace the equipment, that's all.