Rise in Wrong-Way Crashes

Over the course of 14 weeks, on or near a relatively small stretch of Route 50, five people lost their lives in three separate head-on collisions that occurred when drivers ended up on the wrong side of the road, going in the opposite direction of traffic. The five victims, ranging in age from 22 to 66, had little chance of survival considering the severity of the wrecks. After this recent rise in wrong-way crashes, officials examined the possible cause of these fatal accidents.

After examining the intersections where the accidents took place, officials found no obvious hazards. They were all clearly marked with the appropriate signage that should provide motorists with the appropriate warning of any exits, intersections, or other road changes that drivers should be aware of in order to avoid an accident. However, even the most clearly marked roads can quickly become dangerous if the driver is drowsy, distracted, or intoxicated. In addition, if it is dark outside and the driver is unfamiliar with the local roads, it is possible to end up on the wrong side of a busy highway.

Adequate Signage May Not Be Enough to Prevent Future Accidents

 The Federal Highway Administration reported that wrong-way crashes on highways that are designed for high-speed traffic account for one percent of traffic fatalities in the United States, which translates between 300 and 400 fatalities. Even if you consider the high end of this statistic, it means that over one percent of the entire nation’s wrong-way traffic fatalities in 2017 occurred on this stretch of Maryland’s highway in less than four months. Many hope that this jarring statistic will make state officials take a moment to develop more proactive safety measures, particularly targeting the stretch of Route 50. Some possibilities could include rumble strips, flashing lights, and an increased number of larger signs posted, but the State Highway Administration would need to conduct studies before they could be implemented.

Head-on collisions are some of the most devastating car accidents, even when the vehicles are traveling at a relatively low speed. Because of the massive force of impact involved in a head-on collision, this type of accident tends to have a high fatality rate. If the victims survive the crash, they often suffer from severe injuries, including head and neck injuries, broken bones, lacerations, organ damage, and traumatic brain injuries. Victims can incur massive medical expenses and suffer from long-term disabilities. An experienced personal injury lawyer can address these issues and provide the legal counsel you need in order to reach a fair settlement.

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Advocate for Victims of Wrong-Way Crashes

If you or someone you love has been injured or suffered a fatality in a wrong-way collision, do not hesitate to contact the Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We have a proven track record of securing the maximum financial compensation for our clients who have been injured in serious car accidents. Our dedicated and compassionate team will guide you through every step of the claims process, addressing all of your questions and concerns along the way. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.