Wrong-way accidents are extremely serious. When someone enters a road or highway from the wrong direction, they may mistakenly cause a horrible crash. Wrong way driving is extremely hazardous because, quite frequently, a fatal head-on collision may result. According to national statistics, thousands of people are injured because of wrong-way driving each year. Approximately 400 people die from these accidents each year.

Although wrong-way accidents represent just one percent of the total traffic-related annual fatalities in the United States, a high percentage of wrong-way accidents involve a head-on collision or sideswipe crash from an opposite direction. When vehicles are operating at high speeds, these accidents are often much more severe than other vehicle collisions.

According to NHTSA, about two-thirds of wrong-way accidents involve drivers operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Most take place between the hours of 12 p.m. to 6 a.m., with the largest number of accidents routinely occurring at about 2 – 3 am, when many bars serving alcohol close for the night. Many drivers don’t see the ONE-WAY sign before entering the wrong way. DO NOT ENTER or WRONG WAY signs may also be posted to alert motorists. Unfortunately, because most wrong-way accidents happen at night when visibility is at its lowest point, many drivers don’t see the sign until it’s too late.

You may experience another driver heading towards you in the wrong direction when you’re following the proper traffic flow. If that happens, try to get the driver’s attention by flashing your vehicle’s high beams right away. Pull over to the curb to clear a pathway. You might be able to avoid an accident with the errant vehicle.

If you have been seriously injured in a wrong-way accident due to the negligence of another, contact The Paris Firm today.