Several hundred people die every year in wrong-way roadway accidents, according to information from the Federal Highway Administration (FHA). These types of accidents tend to be particularly deadly because they involve vehicles traveling at high rates of speed colliding head-on, especially on the highway.
These accidents are less frequent on divided roadways than they are on roads where the only divider is a double yellow line, but they still happen even on divided sections of road. But how? What are some of the common causes of these types of accidents?
Let’s take a look.
- Age: Drivers over the age of 70 are disproportionately represented in wrong way accidents. This is likely due at least in part to elderly people being more likely to have poor vision, which could make it difficult for them to read road signs.
- Exit ramps: Many wrong way accidents are a result of vehicles entering exit ramps. This could be due to unclear signage, or a driver’s lack of familiarity with the area.
- Night: Most wrong way accidents occur at night, usually as a result of tired or intoxicated drivers and/or poor visibility. Nearly 80 percent of wrong way accidents occur between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- Under the influence: A significant portion of wrong way accidents occur while the wrong-way driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
For more information about the most common causes of wrong way accidents and how to proceed with a personal injury claim if you’ve been injured in one, contact an experienced Sarasota, FL personal injury lawyer at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez & Walsh.