JOHNNIE KEITH COPE TRAGICALLY KILLED IN CRASH ON U.S. 84.

GARZA COUNTY, Texas — Johnnie Keith Cope, a 31-year-old resident of New Iberia, La., lost his life Jan. 17 in a one-vehicle crash on U.S. Route 84 in Garza County, Texas.

A truck carrying Cope and three other people was reportedly eastbound on U.S. 84, south of County Road 386, when the vehicle left the roadway at about 4 a.m. According to local officials, the truck veered onto the shoulder, struck a metal guard rail, and rolled into a ditch before coming to rest.

Cope died from his injuries. The three other people in the vehicle were transported to University Medical Center with injuries.

It is unclear whether Cope was driving or riding in the vehicle as a passenger. Authorities have not released any additional information about factors that may have contributed to the accident or their ongoing investigation into the crash.

Thoughts on Commentary Rollover Accidents Causing Death of Young Man

I am saddened to learn of another rollover accident causing the death of a young man. Mr. Cope’s life was just getting started. I offer my most sincere condolences to the young man’s family and hope for their strength during this difficult time.

Deaths caused by rollover accidents are an epidemic, despite engineering advancements and crash data that have established the criteria necessary to limit the risk of death. Over the last 30-years, my firm has represented hundreds of rollover cases across the nation involving cars, trucks, and SUVs. Some automakers blatantly disregard their safety engineering reports for increased profits, even though the modifications needed to double or triple the vehicle’s integrity during rollovers are minimal—less than $20 per vehicle for some makes and models.

It is unjust for automakers to get away with inferior safety features when research has verified the standards that should be met. I extend my condolences to the deceased family during this difficult time.

Disclaimer: All the information in this post is from third-party sources or constitutes my opinion. If you are not comfortable with this post or would like further information, please reach out to my firm to speak with me.