When you are driving and enter a roadway in the wrong direction, you might have made a mistake that could cause a horrific crash. Wrong-way driving is an especially hazardous top cause of car accidents because it often leads to fatal head-on automobile accidents, and the results can be deadly.
Our car accident lawyers have seen data showing how wrong-way driving is caused when someone drives a car the wrong way down a one-way street. Almost 61% of these accidents are caused by drunk-drivers taking place in the early morning hours (midnight to 6 a.m.) with the highest concentration at around 2 a.m. when bars typically close. Wrong-way driving is often a terrible mistake in judgment by a motorist at the wheel.
Common Wrong-Way Driving Scenarios That Cause Car Accidents
1. Getting on the wrong freeway entrance ramp. This is the most common occurrence of wrong-way driving when a motorist drives in the opposite direction of oncoming traffic that is either entering or exiting the freeway.
2. Turning on to one-way street in the wrong direction. This sort of car accident occurs many times in urban areas because downtown streets and metropolitan roads tend to have traffic flow in one direction instead of two.
3. Driving on the wrong side of the road or highway. After taking a wrong exit or getting your directions turned around, it is possible to find yourself going the wrong way.
Preventing Car Accidents Caused By Wrong-Way Driving
In addition to a standard “ONE-WAY” sign, most states place “DO NOT ENTER” (DNE) and “WRONG WAY” (WW) signs on roadways as an added alert for drivers. The problem is that most of these wrong-way driving car accidents occur during nighttime driving when visibility is low. While signs are designed to reflect the light from a car’s head lights, sometimes drivers do not see them when it is dark out.
As a result, the Department of Transportation is installing larger DNE and WW signs while also separating them for added effect with the idea being that the more chances for a driver to find out that he or she is wrong-way driving, the better.
There is also the added danger of avoiding a driver other than yourself who has made the mistake of wrong-way driving. If you see a car driving towards you in the wrong direction, flash your high beams to try to get their attention and pull over to the side of the road immediately. By clearing their pathway, you may be able to avoid an accident.
Call Our Lawyers If You've Been Injured From Wrong-Way Driving
All this really comes down to is the skill level and attention of the driver. If you do not take drugs or drink while driving, pay attention to the road and cars around you, and are aware of your surroundings, then the likelihood of making a wrong turn into on-coming traffic is very low.
If you've been injured in a car accident that was caused by wrong-way driving then call us now at 1-858-551-2090 or click here for a FREE consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer. Since 1992, our San Diego law office has been geared primarily towards auto accident claims. We know how the insurance companies work, so let our insider knowledge help you in your time of need.