Opinion ID: 2224548
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: whether the trial court erred in instructing on unavoidable accident.

Text: Howards correctly assert that the trial court's submission to the jury of the instruction on unavoidable accident was prejudicial error. We have stated that the propriety of such an instruction depends on the facts of each case. Stevens v. Wood Sawmill, Inc., 426 N.W.2d 13 (S.D.1988) (reversible error to give instruction where unattended truck rolled down hill and injured plaintiff). Although we believe unavoidable accident instructions should be restrictively used we do not favor ... total exclusion.... Such instruction may properly be given in those cases where there is evidence that something other than the negligence of one of the parties caused the mishap. It is particularly apt where the further element of `surprise' is present such as the sudden and unexpected presence of ice, the blowout of a tire, the malfunction of brakes, or other mechanical failure. Id. at 17 (quoting Cordell v. Scott, 79 S.D. 316,322-23, 111 N.W.2d 594, 598 (1961)). Further, this instruction is not proper where the incident is reasonably foreseeable. Stevens, supra . See also Hoffman v. Royer, 359 N.W.2d 387 (S.D.1984) (reversible error to give instruction where passing defendant collided with a truck turning left on highway); Plucker v. Kappler, 311 N.W.2d 924 (S.D.1981) (improper instruction but not reversible error where defendant knew of icy road conditions); Del Vecchio v. Lund, 293 N.W.2d 474 (S.D. 1980) (reversible error to give instruction where defendant boat driver killed water skier on crowded lake); Meyer v. Johnson, 254 N.W.2d 107 (S.D.1977) (reversible error to give instruction where defendant knew of snow and slippery road conditions and was familiar with the road and its curves); Alley v. Siepman, 87 S.D. 670, 214 N.W.2d 7 (1974) (trial court did not err in refusing to give unavoidable accident instruction where element of surprise was lacking); Herman v. Spiegler, 82 S.D. 339, 145 N.W.2d 916 (1966) (instruction improper but not reversible error where vehicle collided with unlighted tractor pulling a stackmover on foggy morning); Cordell, supra (reference to unavoidable accident instruction was at most unnecessary surplusage in accident on icy road). Based on the facts of this case, we hold the instruction was both improper and prejudicial. The facts reveal that no surprise factor was present. Sanborn testified that he had traveled on this stretch of Highway 34 every day, twice a day, for over thirty years. He knew the highway was busy that night and he knew people often stopped to turn into the Cattleman's Club. Prior to the accident, he saw Howards' taillights and knew a car was ahead of him. Sanborn argues that the skewed headlight satisfies the surprise element; however, it has been recognized that the presence of blinding headlights ... [is] not [an] intervening cause but [is among those] conditions which impose on drivers the duty to assure that safety of public by the exercise of a degree of care commensurate with such surrounding circumstances. 2 Blashfield Automobile Law and Practice § 53.6, p. 386. See also Pleinis v. Wilson Storage and Transfer Company, 75 S.D. 397, 400, 66 N.W.2d 68, 71 (1954) (blinding headlights are a condition which would call for some diminution of speed or care on the part of the defendant.) Interestingly, as noted earlier, this skewed light did not affect Howards' vision. We must reiterate to the trial bench and bar that the unavoidable accident instruction was intended to have restricted use. (In fact, the comments to South Dakota Pattern Jury Instructions indicate that this instruction is not recommended.) Since Cordell was decided in 1961, each subsequent case on appeal has found the instruction to be improper. In all but two cases, it was found to be reversible error. In light of the evidence presented, this instruction unduly and improperly emphasized Sanborn's position and was prejudicial to Howards. Id.; Del Vecchio, 293 N.W.2d at 476.