When a confused or impaired driver enters a roadway going the wrong direction, they risk causing severe or even deadly head-on accidents. Recently, a Connecticut lawmaker was killed in a head-on collision caused by a wrong-way driver. His tragic death has brought new attention to the dangers of wrong-way driving, which studies suggest has become more common than ever.
If a wrong-way driver injured you in a head-on collision, you deserve to have a strong advocate by your side as you seek compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and related losses. The dedicated attorneys at Jebaily Law Firm have more than 100 years of combined experience fighting for the injured in South Carolina, so we know what it takes to demand justice after an injury accident.
Are Wrong-Way Accidents Happening More Often?
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, wrong-way accidents contributed to an average of 360 traffic deaths per year in a recent six-year period. But newer reports have emerged indicating the average is now much higher.
During a more recent nine-year stretch, wrong-way crashes caused approximately 430 fatalities per year. And just a few years later, the Federal Highway Administration began reporting more than 500 annual wrong-way traffic fatalities, continuing this concerning upward trend.
Are Wrong-Way Accidents a Problem in SC?
Yes. In a single recent year, there were 12 fatal accidents in South Carolina involving drivers going the wrong way down a one-way road or driving down the wrong side of the road. Wrong-way driving accidents only account for a fraction of fatal crashes each year, but they remain a significant concern because they are often head-on collisions, which have exceptionally high fatality rates.
How Do Wrong-Way Accidents Happen?
According to the Federal Highway Administration, a wrong-way accident occurs when a driver going against the legal flow of traffic on a roadway crashes into another motorist traveling in the correct direction on that same road. Several factors can increase the risk of wrong-way driving accidents, such as:
- Alcohol use – Drivers with a BAC over the legal limit are likelier to drive against the traffic flow.
- Age – Drivers over 70 are more prone to wrong-way driving than younger motorists.
- Driving alone – Passengers can sometimes alert drivers before they make a wrong-way turn.
How Can We Reduce Wrong-Way Crashes?
Wrong-way driving accidents are entirely preventable. Some states have begun installing wrong-way vehicle detection systems which flash bright lights, signs, or audible alarms to notify drivers of their mistakes. Interlock ignition devices, designed to prevent drunk driving, are another crucial countermeasure against wrong-way driving. States can also implement driver’s license review programs for aging drivers to ensure they are mentally and physically equipped to drive.
Contact Our SC Personal Injury Lawyers
You deserve fair compensation for your losses if you’ve been injured in a wrong-way driving accident. The compassionate attorneys at Jebaily Law Firm are here to help you recover it. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more from our knowledgeable team.
