Speeding GMC Yukon Driver Slams Into Ditch: Video
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Really good drivers are masters of managing vehicle weight, perfectly balancing the vehicle’s heft over the suspension to extract the maximum amount grip from the tires. Unfortunately, the driver behind the wheel of the GMC Yukon featured in following brief video is most definitely not a really good driver.
Recently making its way onto social media, this video was captured in Bakersfield, California, per the video description. It looks as though the video was shot from a dash camera of a nearby motorist. In the video, we see overcast skies and dark pavement, possibly indicating recent precipitation and likely reduced grip levels as well. Some traffic is seen ahead of the vehicle with the dash camera.
As the video opens, we see a red GMC Yukon speed into frame, passing the camera vehicle and quickly changing lanes. The SUV is traveling at a high rate of speed, and crosses multiple lanes as the driver dives to the right. It looks as though the SUV is equipped with a set of aftermarket wheels with a chrome finish.
As the SUV transitions to the rightmost lane, we see the body lean over a bit, the vehicle suspension clearly working hard to keep it planted to the pavement. The driver jumps on the brakes as the SUV crosses the middle lane, as indicated by the stop lamps. It looks as though the driver misjudged the amount of available space behind the traffic up front, and tries to slow down.
However, jumping on the brakes transitions vehicle weight forward, reducing grip in the rear. This, in combination with quickly changing direction, causes the rear end of the GMC Yukon to start to slide. We see the rear of the SUV waver for a second before sliding in the opposite direction, sending the SUV onto the shoulder and down an embankment – right towards a tree.
Luckily, the SUV misses the tree by what looks to be inches. The video cuts out as the camera vehicle passes on the left.
Check out the full video here:
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Odd thing to happen like that on dry pavement; the speed, braking, and steering didn’t look THAT excessive prior to spinout. Wonder if in a addition to the reasons mentioned in the article, there were also different types of tires front and rear.
From the article, it seems the pavement may have been wet. You are correct that having different types of tires could be part of the problem. Also, improper inflation of the tires as well as condition (lack of good tread). So many things all on top of just plain stupid drivers who are often distracted by a phone or screen. Many people take these older SUV’s and install touch screen radios and/or other forms of “entertainment”. So being an older vehicle means nothing here.
True story: back in the 90’s when I was a police officer, I would go to the Michigan State Police squad car evaluation program each fall. When there, they would offer tours of the cadet training school and driving track. For those who wanted, they would also take us out on the tracks (by the driving instructors) and show us what each cadet had to pass. They constantly stressed the importance of proper tire inflation and checking them before each shift (which few officers ever do). One test part way through the academy was to have each cadet jump in a brand new squad sitting there and see if they could make it through the track in the allotted time. What they didn’t tell the cadets was that the car, although brand new, had the wrong tire pressure front to rear. Seldom would a cadet take the time to check and none could pass the course in the time needed due to the car spinning out from the improperly inflated tires. This was done as a lesson on why it’s so important to check tires while keeping proper inflation.
Looks like driver crossed 3 lanes in a very heavy truck at a high rate of speed and didn’t slow down until he got into the right lane. The issue is once he made it to the right lane he turned the wheel to hard to the left to keep the car from going off the highway into the right shoulder. Once the drive over-corrected using the steering wheel to keep the car on the highway it was too late. I’ve owned 3 Yukon’s and they are very heavy and and you need to be careful when throwing all that weight around at high speeds.
When you change the tires it alters the way that vehicle performs. Just because you like a certain wheel does not mean it will perform well. I am sure that vehicle was smelly
If the driver was driving at the posted speed limit I doubt this would have happened. Speed is all to often the common denominator in accidents. When will people realize this?
Another reason everyones insurance goes up is to pay for all the dale earnharts out there.
22 or larger wheels. Vehicle suspension was not designed for them.
Idiot driving, hope he wasn’t hurt and learned the lesson.
I always warn my daughters when they drive my Silverado that it is rear wheel drive and light in the rear. So it won’t stop or handle like your small front drive car so take your time and don’t over drive it.
I would like to see insurance companies stop paying for accidents caused by stupid drivers. Obviously speeding and unsafe lane change. See it everyday. Thankfully driver didn’t take out an innocent driver, or motorcyclist, or bicyclist, or pedestrian. Should be an IQ and background check to get a driver’s license. And hard labor camp for those who drive without a license.
Glad it only involved the driver. Nature thinning the heard.
I like the way you think on this topic Steve.
Hope occupants OK. Was that vehicle a donk?
Low profile tires are not made for this type of vehicle. I see them ever day and it also looks like cr*p on them, and totaliy useless.
I saw a similar situation on April fools day in Albuquerque. Driver of a Kia Soul or similar tried to dart from the #1 lane to the #3 lane between my Freightliner and the car in front of me. The momentum took the vehicle across the generous emergency lane and into the K-rail. Like a NASCAR hitting the wall coming out of the turn. From my truck I see literally thousands of stupid chances taken by 4 wheelers every day. Just to save a meaningless fraction of a second. Never taking into account weight X velocity & center of gravity.