A quiet stretch of U.S. Highway 60 southwest of Higgins turned deadly last Friday when a 25-year-old woman from Ames, Oklahoma was killed in a violent rollover crash in Lipscomb County.
Authorities say Cameron Kaylyn Hammons was driving a 1999 GMC Sierra northeast on the highway when the pickup went into a side skid, left the roadway and crashed into a ditch, rolling multiple times. Hammons was ejected during the rollover and was pronounced dead at the scene. No other vehicles or injuries were reported.
What officials say
According to KFDA, the Texas Department of Public Safety says the wreck happened at about 5:30 p.m. on May 29. Investigators suspect a mechanical failure caused Hammons to lose control of the pickup before it rolled several times. Texas DPS is continuing to investigate the crash.
Scene and safety
KECO reports Hammons was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected during the rollover. The outlet notes that weather conditions were clear, the roadway was dry and the posted speed limit along that stretch of U.S. 60 is 75 mph. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.
Why restraint use matters
According to NHTSA, wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of fatal injury by about 45% for front-seat occupants in passenger cars and by up to 60% in light trucks. The agency notes that being ejected from a vehicle is almost always deadly, a national statistic that underscores how restraint use can change the outcome of otherwise similar crashes.
Investigation ongoing
KECO states that the Texas Highway Patrol investigated the scene. KFDA adds that the crash remains under investigation and authorities have not released further details about the suspected mechanical failure. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Texas Department of Public Safety as troopers continue their work.
