Wrong Way Driver Was Drunk

Driving the wrong way on the highway – it is hard to understand how it can happen to begin with it, and it happens rarely. When it does happen, though, it rarely ends without incident and tragedy – not just for the wrong way driver but for those other drivers who have the misfortune of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Sadly this has occurred again on I-95 in the Miami area, when, according to the report, a woman drove about twelve miles in the wrong direction. Allegedly the woman’s blood alcohol level was higher than twice the legal limit at the time of the incident. Three cars besides her own were involved, and all occupants of one of those cars lost their lives as a result of the collision with the wrong way driver, who also died.

Efforts To Prevent Wrong Way Crashes

In recent years, there has been a focus on the problem of wrong way driving in Florida and, in fact, a program was put into place to study the effectiveness of certain countermeasures designed to detect, alert and deter wrong way drivers on Florida’s turnpike. The spokesperson indicated that it is a priority to reduce the number of these types of crashes and to work with law enforcement and available technology to accomplish that goal. Some of the technology currently used in this effort includes electronic sign activation and vehicle detection equipment designed to quickly alert law enforcement to wrong way driving on the roadways. Similar technology was installed on Central Florida roadways last year in an effort to lessen the chance for tragedy due to wrong way crashes; the measures include mechanisms to alert the wrong way driver as well as local law enforcement when drivers enter highway ramps from the wrong direction.

What Can I Do To Protect Myself?

While we, as private citizens, cannot do much to control other drivers’ behavior, we can take certain actions to protect ourselves while on the road to lessen our chances of being involved in an accident. Most importantly, drivers should drive defensively and stay alert behind the wheel. Though in a wrong way crash, the opportunities to react may be fewer than in other types of accidents, there are several things that can be done to improve the likelihood of avoiding impact with the wrong way driver. Staying in the middle lane of a three-lane highway gives you more directions to choose from to avoid an oncoming vehicle; on a two-lane highway, stay to the right, as cars heading in the wrong direction are more likely to be in the left lane. Stay alert and keep your eyes on the road instead of letting yourself become distracted by your phone or the radio. Scan the road ahead of you as far as possible instead of focusing on just the immediate area – know what is going on down the road to give yourself as much reaction time as possible if necessary.

Reach Out to Us for Professional Assistance Today

If you or a loved one has been involved in an auto accident and has suffered injuries as a result, turn to the auto accident attorneys at the Fort Lauderdale office of Boone & Davis. Our legal professionals have handled all kinds of auto accident cases and work hard on behalf of our clients to get the best possible results. In times like these, you do not have to face the legal system on your own. Let our knowledge and experience work for you – contact us today by calling 954.556.5260 or visiting us online to get started today.