Robert Gooding Injured in Auto Accident on US-281 in Erath County, TX
Erath County, TX — April 14, 2022, 60-year-old Robert Gooding was seriously injured in a traffic accident on U.S. Highway 281 in Erath County.
Authorities say the incident happened around 6:15 a.m. on US-281 at State Highway 108. Preliminary investigation suggests Gooding was driving a Ford Ranger pickup north on US-281 when he started to turn left onto SH 108. While turning he allegedly failed to yield to a southbound Dodge Challenger and the vehicles collided in the roadway.
Gooding received serious injuries in the crash. The Dodge's occupants were unhurt.
No further information is available at this time.
Commentary on Robert Gooding Accident in Erath County
When I see reports that say someone failed to yield, I often wonder if investigators really took the time and care needed to eliminate other possible factors. It's true that people sometimes just make mistakes, but many crashes they get blamed for (and the injuries that follow) are actually due to forces beyond that person's control. Poor road or weather conditions, vehicle malfunctions or defects, blocked sightlines, medical emergencies...the list goes on, but even though all of those cause crashes all over the world every day they're often overlooked as police seek a simple explanation and a more obvious "bad guy."
I'm not saying things have to be more complicated than reports make them sound, but this would hardly be the first time a closer look found vital clues missed during a police once-over. Should someone else revisit this matter and ensure nothing slipped through the cracks?
