Distracted Driving
Driving while distracted is a significant cause of wrong-way car accidents. Texting and driving, eating while driving, or operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol are all examples of distracted driving that can significantly increase your chances of getting in a wrong-way accident. Such drivers put themselves at risk and endanger other motorists who may be forced to make drastic maneuvers to avoid danger when an impaired driver heads in the wrong direction. Motorists should always be aware of their surroundings and pay close attention to traffic signs and signals to avoid getting into any situation where they drive against the traffic flow. Taking small steps to reduce distracted driving can help ensure safer roads for everyone.
Fatigued Driving
Fatigued driving is a severe problem that can have deadly consequences. Every wrong-way car accident can be devastating, so drivers must know how fatigue affects their safety when behind the wheel. Even if only one vehicle is involved in a wrong-way accident, the resulting injuries can be extreme, often requiring lengthy hospital stays and medical bills. It is hard to overestimate the worst-case scenario with wrong-way accidents, which can be catastrophic and even result in fatalities. If you have been injured due to a wrong-way car accident caused by fatigued driving, contact an experienced wrong-way car accident lawyer who can help guide you through this challenging situation and ensure compensation for your suffering.
Drugged Driving
With the number of preventable car accidents due to driver negligence increasing every day, the number of wrong-way collisions caused by drivers under the influence of drugs and alcohol is especially concerning. Drunk or drugged driving clouds judgment and prevents a driver from detecting signs telling them the ‘wrong way.’ It can also drastically affect reaction time and coordination, leading to deadly crashes that potentially involve multiple vehicles on the opposing side of roadways. Fortunately, all drivers can reduce their likelihood of causing such harm, including avoiding driving while under the influence and speaking up if they spot someone else drinking or using drugs before getting behind the wheel.
Aged Driver
Car accidents are among the highest causes of injury and fatality in the United States. Unfortunately, wrong-way car accidents have increased over the years, often resulting in devastating consequences. Older drivers significantly contribute to this, with age impairing their awareness and judgment on the roads. It makes it difficult to quickly respond to directions or signs and recognize when they are going against traffic. Older drivers must take extra care while driving to ensure safety on our roads and consider exiting or slowing down when they cannot locate appropriate road signs or signals. Additionally, modern vehicles can help by providing warning systems that detect wrong-way driving movements and alert drivers before disaster strikes.
Unfamiliar Locations
Every year, millions of drivers take to the roads around their homes and familiar environments, while others travel to somewhere they have never been before. Unfortunately, making one wrong turn on those unfamiliar roads can be the difference between a successful journey and a disastrous wrong-way car accident. It is entirely understandable why wrong-way accidents so often occur in these new or unfamiliar places: when faced with multiple directional signs, road markings, and even map readings that do not appear to make sense, it is startlingly easy for someone to make the incorrect decision inadvertently. It is wise to familiarize yourself with the local area before departing from home to minimize the risk of future wrong-way incidents.
