What Causes Wrong-Way Accidents?
While they may occur less than other types of car accidents, wrong-way crashes remain one of the most dangerous kinds of collisions in which a person can be involved. Alarmingly, they also seem to be on the rise in Florida. There were, for instance, 3,854 wrong-way accidents in Florida in 2022, 128 of which ended up being fatal.
Driver Impairment
The majority of wrong-way crashes (almost 60 percent) involve impaired drivers, occur at night, and take place on the weekends. Impaired drivers have significantly diminished judgment and decision-making ability, are more susceptible to falling asleep at the wheel, and have severely reduced reflexes. For these reasons, impaired drivers are not only more likely to drive the wrong way and drift off to sleep, but are also much less likely to be able to react quickly enough to avoid collisions. Unfortunately, these kinds of crashes can be expected to keep occurring as long as impaired drivers continue to get behind the wheel.
Confusion and Unfamiliarity
Most wrong-way accidents take place at night, when visibility is poor. This, combined with the fact that many wrong-way drivers are elderly, have poor vision, or are new to the area, helps clarify that some wrong-way accidents are simply the result of confusion. These problems are only exacerbated by roadway design problems, like signs obscured by overgrown vegetation, poorly marked exit ramps, complicated interchanges, and construction detours.
Distracted Driving
Even drivers who are familiar with the area in which they are traveling and who are not impaired could end up causing a wrong-way crash if they drive while distracted. Whether looking at a cell phone, talking to friends, reaching for something in the backseat, or fiddling with a GPS, even small distractions can lead to a driver swerving into the wrong lane. When the road is empty for long stretches, a driver may be able to correct in time to avoid a collision, but such behavior is particularly dangerous when the roads are congested. However, driving distracted is always perilous, which is why motorists are constantly being encouraged to put their devices down and to focus on the road ahead of them.
Recovery for Wrong-Way Accidents
Wrong-way crashes are almost always the result of driver error, although there could be other contributing factors, like poor weather conditions or inadequate signage. This means that injured parties or their loved ones have the option of filing legal claims against the negligent drivers who caused their crash. Damages could include reimbursement for medical bills and vehicle repair, as well as lost wages, permanent disability, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. In the tragic event of a fatality, the family members of the deceased could also be compensated for funeral costs and loss of support and companionship.
Contact a Fort Lauderdale Auto Accident Lawyer
Wrong-way drivers can and should be held accountable for the injuries they cause. To learn more about filing a claim against a wrong-way driver, please call the dedicated and compassionate Florida car accident lawyers at Boone & Davis today.
Sources:
fdot.gov/traffic/teo-divisions.shtm/cmt/Wrong-Way-driving
nbcmiami.com/news/local/safety-improvements-underway-to-prevent-wrong-way-crashes-on-florida-roadways/2995270/
