Devastating Consequences of Wrong Way Traffic Accidents
Michael Babboni
Car Accidents
Wrong way auto collisions, unfortunately, are more common than we may think. Five victims were recently killed in a wrong way collision in Miami on August 20, 2022, according to Miami’s Local 10 News Channel. The driver currently faces five counts of vehicular homicide, and more charges may be added later if it is found that the driver was impaired at the time of the crash.Wrong Way Auto Collision Causes
Wrong way auto collisions can happen for several reasons. Some of these reasons are due to elderly drivers who may become confused or unclear about certain signage or become disoriented while driving at night.
Since Florida is a popular tourist destination, there are also common cases of people who aren’t familiar with the area becoming involved in wrong way crashes. Finally, improper or hard-to-see construction zone signage also contributes to wrong way collisions as some drivers may take the wrong ramp.
Other common causes of wrong way collisions may include the following:
• Mistakes made by inexperienced drivers
• Distracted motorists not paying attention to road signs
• Low visibility on account of heavy rain or fog
• Bright sunlight during sunrise or sunset
• Driving while under the influence
• Poorly marked ramps and roadways
• Distracted driving
• Adverse health conditions for the driver
• Driving while fatigued
Wrong way collisions happen more often at night, on the weekends, and in lanes closest to medians. More than 60 percent of wrong way collisions result from drunk driving accidents, and head-on collisions tend to be more fatal than other accident types.
According to data from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, there were approximately 2,008 deaths due to wrong way driving on divided highways between 2015 and 2018. This averages to around 500 deaths per year.
Determining Fault in a Wrong Way Collision
Since every car accident is different, several variables must be considered when determining fault. To prove that the other driver was driving in the wrong direction, you will need to detail what happened and include any witness testimony you can gather.
If you can get your hands on video surveillance, even better. You can also use police testimony and police reports written following the accident, as well as medical evidence showing the injuries you sustained.
Consequences of Wrong Way Collisions
Some of the more common injuries that can occur after a wrong way collision include head and neck injuries, whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries resulting in partial or complete paralysis, and internal injuries to organs in the chest or abdomen.
How to Prevent Wrong Way Collisions
Because of the severity of these accidents, Florida transportation officials continue to look for ways to reduce these accidents. Some current methods include radar detecting when a vehicle is headed in the wrong direction and a messaging system.
The radar triggers flashing signs to warn the other drivers. There is also a message system that can send an immediate message to the Department of Transportation when a vehicle is found traveling in the wrong direction.
In addition to these methods, it is important to be aware as a driver of wrong way accidents and always be aware of your surroundings, especially when traveling at night when visibility is low.
You may be entitled to compensation if you have been injured in a wrong way collision. Consult a St.Petersburg personal injury attorney today to get your claim started.