A 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe was traveling northbound in the left lane when it lost traction on the wet roadway and hit the right guardrail. All three people inside were taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Passenger Maelie T.M. Howe, 24, of Kansas City, Missouri, was not wearing a seat belt and was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. Driver Andrew R.J. Kruger, 24, of Grain Valley, Missouri, and passenger Shelby N. Crall, 22, also of Grain Valley, were both wearing seat belts and were taken to the hospital with suspected minor injuries.
The incident remains under review by authorities. Our thoughts are with all three as they recover from their injuries.
What Drivers in Kansas Should Know About Hydroplaning on Wet Roads
Hydroplaning happens when a layer of water builds up between a vehicle’s tires and the road surface, causing the driver to lose steering control. It can occur suddenly, even at moderate speeds, and gives the driver very little time to respond. Wet interstates are especially risky at night, when visibility is reduced and road conditions are harder to gauge.
Seat belt use can make a significant difference in injury outcomes during a sudden loss of control. In crashes where a vehicle strikes a fixed object like a guardrail, unbelted occupants are far more likely to suffer severe injuries than those who are buckled. Tire condition and tread depth also affect how well a vehicle handles wet pavement.
