Wrong Way Accidents Can be Deadly  

Wrong way accidents occur when a motorist who is driving his or her car in the wrong direction crashes into another vehicle. As you might imagine, these accidents can be extremely devastating, because they often result in head-on collisions.

According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHA), wrong way accidents cause up to 400 fatalities each year and are considered to be among the most dangerous types of accidents, compared to other types of collisions.

Many of these accidents could be avoided by following the rules of the road, and being aware of your surroundings at all times.

Common Causes of Wrong Way Accidents

In most wrong way accidents, driver error is to blame. The following are some of the most common examples of driver error, as well as other possible causes of wrong way accidents:

• Distracted Driving
• Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Driver is unfamiliar with the area
• Drowsy driving
• Poorly marked signs or ramps
• Lack of visibility
• Lack of proper signage
• Driver has a history of mental health problems

Highways that are made up of clover leaf, or partial clover leaf designs can be extremely confusing, particularly to drivers who are from out of town, or are not paying close attention to the signs. As a result, drivers can end up on the wrong side of the road.

This can be disorienting to drivers who may already be confused or lost. Oftentimes, they do not realize that they are on the wrong side of the road until they see another vehicle driving straight towards them.

Some simple strategies can help avoid these tragic accidents. Drivers should remain in the right lane if possible. This can help avoid coming in contact with an on-coming wrong-way driver.

In addition, if a wrong way driver thinks he is traveling in the right lane, but ends up on the wrong side of the road, he will end up going on the wrong direction in the fast lane of oncoming traffic.

Options for Communities to Prevent Wrong Way Accidents

There are a range of highway design features that can help drivers avoid wrong way driving accidents, including the following:

• Install flashing “wrong way” signs at high risk areas
• “Wrong way” painted on the road to alert drivers
• Concrete structures or spikes that prevent vehicles from driving in the wrong direction
• Surveillance and sensor detection systems that identify when vehicles are driving in the wrong direction
• Improved lighting in high risk areas
• Getting rid of clover leaf patterns and creating more streamlined highway designs

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Wrong Way Accidents

If you or a loved one have been seriously injured in a wrong way accident, do not hesitate to contact the Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. These accidents often cause massive property damage and serious, life-threatening injuries. We will work tirelessly to determine who is responsible for causing the accident and secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve. 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, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, 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.