Wrong-way car accidents are often deadly. These accidents lead to serious personal injury to drivers, passengers, and even pedestrians who are struck by vehicles. These accidents are disturbing; worse, they seem to be increasing.
Motorists and passengers who have been injured in a wrong-way accident are urged to contact a seasoned car accident lawyer for assistance.
Wrong-way accidents are extremely dangerous because they most often lead to head-on collisions. Head-on collisions tend to cause greater injury to drivers and passengers and do much more damage to the vehicles involved. Many of these accidents occur when someone turns onto the wrong ramp entering or leaving the highway. The high rate of speed the vehicles are traveling can cause fatalities before the drivers even have time to react.
There are multiple factors that can lead to wrong-way accidents. These include issues such as distracted driving and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Studies have found that age can play a role, with drivers over 70 being significantly more likely to drive the wrong way. In some instances, medical issues such as low blood sugar or seizure disorders can cause a driver to unknowingly go the wrong way or drift into a wrong lane. The single biggest factor, however, is alcohol impairment.
Wrong-way driving fatalities have increased over the past decade, and there could be a few reasons for the increase. Less educated drivers and improperly marked roadways could play a role. However, the most notable data points to the increase in impaired driving and motorists using cell phones while driving.
There are steps that drivers can take to help prevent these types of accidents as well as solutions for local and state agencies to put in place to make the roads safer. For individuals, paying attention, avoiding distractions, and only driving sober are the best ways to avoid accidents.
Additionally, a recent study found that red reflective markers on ramps reduced wrong-way driving by 44 percent, while flashing LED lights resulted in 60 percent fewer accidents. Although drivers have a certain responsibility, clear road markings and warning signs go a long way in preventing these accidents. Clearly, more can be done to prevent these accidents at the individual and state level.
Wrong-way accidents are increasing. Motorists, pedestrians, and bystanders need to be vigilant in watching out for unsafe driving and dangerous conditions. However, some accidents cannot be avoided, owing to the actions of others. If you or a loved one were injured in a wrong-way accident, the Washington DC car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King can help you recover the compensation you deserve. Call us at 202-331-1963 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Washington, D.C., we serve clients throughout Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.
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