Movies sometimes play wrong-way drivers for laughs, but there’s nothing funny about the very real tragedies they cause.
Just recently, a woman traveling the wrong way on I-15 in Nevada slammed straight into a pickup truck, killing herself and three other people. Police believe that the wrong-way driver – like so many others – may have been impaired due to drugs or alcohol, although other wrong-way drivers are just distracted, confused or outright asleep behind the wheel.
What can you do to avoid a wrong-way driver?
First, don’t take any chances: A representative of the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety says that it’s not uncommon to see wrecks with wrong-way drivers in rural areas on two-lane roads. Drivers get frustrated at slow-moving vehicles, like a semi, and end up crashing into a vehicle they couldn’t see coming the other way when they attempt to pass.
Second: Recognize your danger. One professional driver said that “his head is always on a swivel” as he watches for drivers who cross the median or mistake an exit ramp for a highway entrance.
Finally, remember these tips:
- When driving at night, when other drivers are more likely to be inebriated or confused by the traffic lights, stick to the farthest right lane of your road. Most wrong-way drivers end up in the left lane (which is on their right), particularly when they’re drunk and trying to avoid drawing attention to themselves.
- Keep your headlights on after dark and keep your eyes as far ahead on the road as possible. That gives you more time to react if you do see a wrong-way driver. Should that happen, pull over as far to the right as possible and let them pass.
- As soon as it is safe, dial 911 and let the authorities know what just happened. That way, they can chase down the driver and hopefully prevent a wreck.
If you are involved in an accident with a wrong-way driver, you have every right to expect compensation for your injuries and other losses. Learn more about your legal options today.
