Wrong Way Driving Accident Averted
Wrong Way Driving Accident Averted. An August 26 wrong-way driving accident was stopped in the early hours of the morning by officers with the California Highway Patrol (CHP), averting what could have been a tragedy. The incident occurred along Interstate 80 westbound when a driver entered an exit ramp going in the wrong direction. The driver was reported by multiple witnesses, who did the right thing by notifying authorities. Once stopped by the Highway Patrol, a toxicology unit was called to administer a test for the presence of drugs or alcohol.
Details of the Wrong Way Driving Accident
According to the CHP report, the wrong way driver entered the off ramp at Greenback Lane. The driver of a Toyota Tercel first reported the vehicle as driving at about 30 mph in the center divide. Another witness reported that the vehicle crossed all the westbound lanes diagonally. The driver apparently had the flashers turned on and began speeding, drifting in and out of the first lane and center divide. The vehicle crashed into the right hand side of the center divide around two miles from the exit for Riverside Boulevard.
Causes of a Wrong Way Accident
Wrong way driving is normally caused by human error. The reasons a driver may get on a road going in the wrong direction include:
- Entering an exit ramp is the most common reason for wrong way drivers. Reasons can include that the driver is intoxicated which is most common, signs are poorly marked or entrance and exit ramps are too close together and confusing.
- Entering a one-way street in the wrong direction can cause one of the types of car accidents initiated by a wrong way driver. These types of errors are committed in towns. One reason may be because the driver is accustomed to two-way streets and doesn’t think before turning onto a one-way. The driver may also be unfamiliar with the area and not realize the street is a one-way until too late.
- Making an illegal u-turn is another reason a driver may end up being involved in a wrong way driving accident.
- Age can be a factor if a driver is elderly or has poor vision or is young and inexperienced.
- Distracted driving contributes to some wrong way accidents. Talking on a cell phone or texting, along with other behaviors, can make a driver miss seeing important signage or make a wrong turn.
- Drowsy driving can be just as bad as driving while distracted because a motorist can enter a dream state or just nod off behind the wheel. Remaining alert is important when trying to avert a wrong way driving accident.
Incidence of Wrong Way Drivers
Wrong way drivers only account for about 1 percent of all the traffic fatalities each year. However, that still means that between 300 and 400 people are killed every year, and many more injured. When this happens, a seasoned car accident lawyer can help you obtain the compensation you need and deserve.
Watch YouTube Video – How to Avoid a Collision with a Wrong Way Driver – by Inside Edition. Warning: May disturb some viewers.
Sacramento Auto Accident Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento car accident lawyer. Hundreds of people die and many more are injured each year because of wrong way driving accidents. If you were injured or lost a loved one to a wrong way driver, I can offer you free and friendly advice. I can be reached at (916) 921-6400 or at my toll-free line (800) 404-5400. I can also be reached through the online contact page at my website, AutoAccident.com.
Since 1982, I have represented many of the good people of Sacramento and Northern California in obtaining fair compensation for all types of car accidents and other trauma such as brain injuries and wrongful deaths.
One of the groups I belong to is Million Dollar Forum. It was established to recognize top trial attorneys around the nation who have obtained in excess of one million dollars for a client through a case settlement or verdict.
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Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/wrong-way-sign-road-caution-167535/
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