You’re going the wrong way! When you see a driver in the wrong lane, or driving in the wrong direction, you are likely terrified and need a way to protect yourself. Every driver on the road has the responsibility to drive safely and adhere to all traffic rules and regulations. While car accidents are common, wrong-way drivers typically cause catastrophic crashes that are head-on collisions. These accidents can result in severe injuries or death. Knowing how to protect yourself against a wrong-way driver, can help you protect yourself and your passengers.
Causes of Wrong-Way Driving
Wrong-way driving is defined as driving in the direct opposite of the division of the legal flow of traffic. While not as common as other accidents, wrong-way driving accidents typically account for much more severe injuries and death. Some of the main causes of wrong-way driving include the following:
- Distracted driving. Whether its cell phone usage or talking and texting, there are hundreds of ways a driver can be distracted and drive the wrong way.
- Sleepy or drowsy driving. Everyone can get sleepy, but when a driver is too tired, they may fall asleep at the wheel, or fail to notice they are driving on the wrong side of the road.
- Elderly drivers. Many elderly drivers have poor eyesight or medical conditions which can affect their driving.
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Any impairment in cognitive function can result in wrong-way driving.
- There is an emergency. Oftentimes, if a driver is having a heart attack, stroke or seizure while on the road, they can pass out and lose control, leading to wrong-way driving.
How to Protect Yourself
If you practice defensive driving, focus on the road, and avoid distractions, you will have a better chance of protecting yourself against any kind of car accident, including wrong-way drivers. Some of specific ways you can protect yourself when you see a wrong-way driver coming towards you include:
- Use more caution at night and on the weekends (a majority of wrong-way accidents occur at night and on the weekends)
- Always wear your seat belt
- Use a blinker to indicate your direction if you are going to move into another lane
- Stay aware of the situation as it unfolds
- Slow down
- Get off the road or highway, if it is safe to do so
- Move into the far-right lane, or the slow lane
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Today
If you were injured in a car accident due to someone driving the wrong way, you may have the right to compensation for your injuries. If someone is driving the wrong way on the roadways, they are likely driving negligently or recklessly. Contact the experienced car accident attorneys at Lowenberg Law Firm at (832) 990-6893 or online today to help you understand your legal rights and discuss your next steps.