Why Wrong-Way Drivers Cause Severe Accidents In New York
It always seems that nearly every week there’s an accident with a driver who is traveling the wrong way while driving on a highway. There are times when the driver lucks out and isn’t injured. However, at other times, when two cars collide head-on while driving at full-speed, the result of the accident can be extremely catastrophic. Unfortunately, wrong-way drivers create some of the most horrific collisions out there.
The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Highway Administration states that a wrong-way driving collision occurs when a vehicle is traveling in the opposite direction of the rightful flow of traffic while on a divided highway. The car moving the wrong way then hits another vehicle which is moving the right way.
What Causes Wrong-Way Accidents To Happen?
Drivers who are traveling the wrong way while on a highway, or any other street, cause themselves and other travelers a high risk of a serious accident. Why do drivers enter into a roadway in the opposite direction of traffic? They may be under the influence or tired. Weather conditions may play a part as well.
At times, a wrong-way driver can enter a highway by an exit ramp, rather than the correct entrance ramp. This causes the driver to go in the exact opposite way that traffic is moving in and causes a danger of a head-on collision.
Wrong-way drivers sometimes drive several miles without understanding that they are moving in the wrong way. This can be because the driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs or because they are extremely tired. Another cause of these collisions is distracted driving.
These situations often take place at night when there may not be as many drivers on the road. A driver is less likely to be going the wrong way when there is more traffic on the road.
Stopping Wrong-Way Accidents
Wrong-way accidents can be prevented. Correct signage can help. Signs should be large enough and put in every wrong-way highway entrance.
Drivers should understand the risk of a wrong-way driver and pay attention. You should drive in the right lane to avoid a head-on collision because wrong-way drivers are driving in what they assume is their correct right lane. See someone traveling the wrong way? Call 911 right away to report the driver so the police can take care of the incident.
Retaining The Services Of A New York Attorney
With a personal injury lawyer on your side, you have an effective way to protect yourself after an accident. If you or a loved one has been hurt due to a wrong-way collision, retain our services to learn more about what your rights are, what your options are, and the most effective way to get the justice you are due.
Have you been hurt in a collision? If you or a loved one sustained an injury in an accident, contact the expert personal injury attorneys at Gattuso & Ciotoli Law Offices. At Gattuso & Ciotoli Law Offices, we help clients get the most compensation for your car accident injuries. Contacting Gattuso & Ciotoli Law Offices will assist you in your car accident claim right away. Each accident is unique and can vary from case-to-case. It is vital to gain the services of an experienced personal injury attorney who can assist you within your accident claim. Contact us to talk about the details of your accident and how we can help you to get the compensation you deserve.