Wrong-way accidents occur for a variety of reasons, and they’re some of the most severe collisions that happen on Alabama roads. How common are wrong-way accidents, and why are they so uniquely dangerous?
Facts and Figures on Wrong-Way Accidents in Alabama
How many accidents result from wrong-way drivers? According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, 31 people were killed in 709 Alabama wrong-way accidents in a single recent year. Wrong-way collisions are more likely to be fatal than any other type of accident, mainly due to the conditions under which they most often occur.
What Is Being Done to Prevent Wrong-Way Accidents in Alabama?
State and local governments can take several measures to reduce the number of wrong-way accidents, such as:
- Installing additional signage on highway exit ramps
- Improving visibility of signs at night and in inclement weather
- Installing LEDs or additional illumination on signs
- Applying arrows to road surfaces to indicate the direction of traffic
- Installing islands separating adjacent entrance and exit ramps
- Communicating wrong-way messages by dynamic signs
Emerging technologies may also prevent these accidents, such as in-vehicle alert systems that tell drivers when they’re going the wrong way.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Wrong-Way Accidents in Alabama?
Several factors can contribute to wrong-way accidents. Some of the most common include:
- Accidental highway entry on an exit ramp
- Accidental turns onto one-way streets
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Cognitive decline
- Unfamiliarity with the area
- Detours
- Confusing road design
- Lack of appropriate signage
- Poor visibility
Regardless of what caused a particular wrong-way accident, victims are often left with significant medical costs, lost wages, physical and emotional pain, and more. The effects may last a lifetime. If you’ve been hurt in a wrong-way accident someone else caused, you should contact our attorneys right away to review your legal options. You could be entitled to compensation for the harm you suffered. An attorney from our law firm can be a critical ally as you pursue it.
Why Are Wrong-Way Accidents So Dangerous?
Wrong-way collisions are so dangerous because they usually involve a head-on collision or a sideswipe at a high combined speed and, therefore, force. They often give victims little time to recognize the threat and take evasive actions. If you’re driving in the right direction and another vehicle is coming toward you, it can also be challenging to react appropriately without putting yourself and other drivers in additional danger. There may be no good options for avoiding a collision.
For survivors of wrong-way accidents, the consequences can be significant. These accidents can have severe physical implications and may keep a victim away from work for a long time while they recover. Some may be permanently disabled and no longer able to work. Many wrong-way crashes are fatal.
Contact Our Alabama Wrong-Way Accident Attorneys Today
If you’ve been injured or a loved one has been killed in a wrong-way accident that was another driver’s fault, you deserve compensation and justice. Contact the experienced car accident attorneys at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., today for a free consultation to learn more about your legal options.
