Serious injuries can happen in wrong-way accidents, as they are unexpected head-on collisions that often take place at high speeds. For instance, if someone is involved in a wrong-way crash on the interstate, both vehicles may be traveling at 70 mph. This is a very violent collision that can lead to spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries and fatalities.
Naturally, road designs are set up to prevent these types of crashes. On city streets, there are wrong-way signs. On the interstate, there are on-ramps and off-ramps designed to keep traffic divided and moving in the same direction.
But the problem is that many wrong-way drivers are under the influence of alcohol. This can lead to significant mistakes that a sober driver would never make, and alcohol impairment is the main reason why wrong-way crashes occur.
Can you avoid a wrong-way driver?
Not in all cases. Often, these accidents happen very suddenly, and drivers on the interstate never expect traffic to be coming toward them to begin with.
One practical tip you can use is to stay in the right lane. Many drunk drivers try to stay in their right lane to avoid drawing the attention of the police. But if that driver is heading the wrong way, that means that they will be in your left lane. By staying to the right, you may avoid an accident, and they will go by without incident.
That being said, some reports indicate that there are an average of 360 fatal wrong-way accidents every year. Many more people suffer serious injuries. Even if you try to stay safe, you always face this risk from impaired drivers, and you must know what legal steps to take to seek compensation after an accident.