It can be scary not knowing what the drivers in vehicles around you will do next – especially when you have no warning time to react. That’s why one of the scariest things that you can encounter while driving is another vehicle driving the wrong way towards you. Whether due to intoxication, distractions, or confusion, wrong-way drivers often cause crashes that severely injure or kill others.
So what can you do if you can’t control other drivers from making such a big mistake? Well, the first thing is to understand a bit more about these accidents and then to become proactive in defending yourself against them.
The Prevalence of Wrong-Way Accidents
Although there are many reasons as to why someone would drive the wrong way, more than half (58%) of these drivers do so while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. But no matter the cause of driving the wrong way, these drivers are liable for killing between 300 and 400 people in the U.S. annually.
Steps to Protect Yourself
Although you can’t prevent these incidents, it’s important to understand what you can do to protect yourself against wrong-way drivers.
- When not passing anyone make sure that you drive in the right lane. This is because most drivers who are driving the wrong way falsely believe that they are in the right lane as well (even though they’re not). They are actually in the left lane driving in the wrong direction.
- Remain attentive to your surroundings. This includes those drivers who are far ahead of you
- Call 9-1-1 if you see someone driving in the wrong direction. Let the operator know where the vehicle is located, the direction it’s going, and the make and model if possible. By alerting the police you can help to prevent a serious accident.
Although you can’t prevent wrong-way driving, you can follow these steps to protect yourself from serious harm. It’s also important that you always focus on the road and do not engage in any distracting behavior, as you could end up being the cause of such an accident.
MPJ Law Firm Can Help Those in NM Who Have Been Injured in a Car Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident – whether a wrong-way accident or not – it can greatly impact your life. It can be difficult enough dealing with your injuries, but it can be even harder when you are left to pick up the pieces financially. You should never have to pay the price for someone else’s mistakes.
At MPJ Law Firm, we have a deep understanding of car accidents and understand the effects that such accidents often have on just about all aspects of your life. We will always act in your best interest. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!
Posted in: Automobile Accidents, Motorcycle Accident