In an incident that happened Wednesday night and only caused minor injuries, a driver in Wisconsin is allegedly blaming a locked steering wheel.
Deputies were called to a crash on County Road A in the Town of Arcadia at 6:18 p.m. with unidentified injuries, according to a statement from the Trempealeu County Sheriff’s Office.
According to officials, Roberto Gonzalez, 23, was driving a Gray Ford Explorer east on County Road A when he lost control of a bend and veered off the road into a ditch before colliding with a culvert embankment.
Gonzalez said that the steering wheel had locked and caused the car to veer off the road because he was unable to manage the curve.
Rejina Gomez, 25, a passenger in the vehicle, claimed to have suffered a minor hand injury but declined to be transported to the hospital for medical attention.
The Sheriff’s Office has not released further details, and the crash remains under investigation.
Residents in the area have been reminded to exercise caution on rural roadways and ensure their vehicles are in good working condition, especially as spring driving conditions can be unpredictable.
Anyone with additional information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact the Trempealeau County Sheriff’s Office.
If the Steering Wheel Locks While Driving:
Stay Calm and Keep the Car Steady:
- Don’t panic. Try to maintain control of the vehicle as best as possible.
- If you still have some control, gradually slow down and move to a safe area.
Turn On Hazard Lights:
- Alert other drivers that you’re experiencing a problem.
Do Not Force the Wheel:
- Forcing it can damage internal components or worsen the issue.
Try to Unlock Gently:
- If the ignition is still on, try gently turning the wheel left and right while also turning the key (if using a traditional ignition).
- For keyless ignitions, try pressing the start/stop button while turning the wheel gently.
Pull Over Safely and Call for Help:
- If the wheel remains locked, safely pull over (if possible) and call roadside assistance or a tow service.
