CASS COUNTY, Mo. — Dennise Bowyer, a 59-year-old Edwards woman, was injured Oct. 27 in a rollover accident after she swerved to avoid hitting an animal.
Bowyer swerved in her 2003 Ford to dodge to avoid the animal on 227th Road, east of Missouri 7, and traveled off the right side of the road just before 8 p.m., according to a local news report. She overcorrected and returned to the roadway, where her eastbound vehicle overturned and traveled off the left side of the road.
Central Cass EMS transported Bowyer to St. Luke’s Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. Her vehicle was totaled in the accident.
Authorities have not released an update on her condition.
COMMENTARY ON DENNISE BOWYER'S ACCIDENT
I am dismayed to learn that Ms. Bowyer was injured in the rollover crash that resulted when she swerved to avoid colliding with an animal. Wildlife-vehicle crashes involving animals, especially deer, are on the rise, even though more than 30 mitigation techniques have implemented by government agencies to reduce them, according to an extensive study by the U.S. Department of Transportation..png)
Collision with a large animal is difficult to anticipate and to avoid because it can happen in a moment’s notice with no warning at all. In this instance, as with many such circumstances, Ms. Bowyer overcorrected to avoid hitting the animal and rolled her vehicle. Rollovers, such as this one, are far too common, particularly among light trucks and SUVs, in which substantial damage needlessly occurs. I have represented many clients in similar accidents all across the nation. I am distraught that some auto manufacturers cut corners to save money. This irresponsible behavior costs billions of dollars in human suffering and loss of life.
To read more about vehicle rollovers, read my article The Making of an Epidemic. As a concerned citizen, I will continue to do what I can to inform the public about the dangers of poor vehicle design and to influence automakers to implement improved engineering and safety features in their vehicles.
I extend my best wishes to Ms. Bowyer for a full and speedy recovery.