We have all seen it happen in movies: vehicles driving the wrong way on the highway. Whether it is part of a slapstick comedy or an action-packed adventure, it is for our entertainment. What about in real life, though? When drivers head the wrong way on a busy highway, into oncoming traffic, it often ends tragically, as it did for several people involved in such an accident on Interstate 75 recently. For some reason, which may never be understood, the driver of a Chevy Suburban turned around on the highway and headed the wrong way into traffic. Both he and the occupants of another vehicle were killed when their vehicles collided.
Wrong Way Crashes Increasing in Ohio
According to one recent news report, fatal crashes involving drivers heading the wrong way into traffic are increasing; in 2014 there were seven deaths throughout the state as a result of these types of accidents, and already in 2016 there have been 16 deaths and nine injuries. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is concerned about this troubling increase and is working to find a solution. One possible option that has been discussed is installing spikes in the road to prevent vehicles from entering the wrong way, though a representative for ODOT does not believe this will work for several reasons including malfunctions and the need for emergency crews to access crash sites. The Department notes that they will continue looking for a workable solution. Other measures that have been taken in recent years to prevent wrong way crashes include doubling signage; research shows that impaired drivers tend to look down, so second “wrong way” signs are placed lower on poles to catch their eye. Wrong way sensor installation is also an option, but a cost-prohibitive one at this point, according to ODOT.
Wrong Way Crashes More Likely to Result in Fatalities
While all vehicle crashes have the potential to result in injuries to the victims involved in the accident, wrong way crashes are 100 percent more likely to result in fatalities than other types of accidents. According to reports, a higher percentage of drivers involved in wrong way crashes are driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol; it is of note that more of these types of accidents occur on weekends, after dark, and in the middle of the night – often correlating to bar closing times. What is most unfortunate is that innocent people who are simply trying to get home from work or traveling through the night to avoid traffic are often the victims of another person’s state of impairment and accompanying poor decisions.
When Accidents Occur, Contact Ohio Car Accident Lawyers
Regardless of the type of accident in which you have been involved, if you or a loved one has suffered injuries, contact the Ohio Car Accident Lawyers . With years of experience handling a wide variety of accident cases, we advocate tirelessly for your rights and to help you obtain the recovery you are entitled to receive. Contact our Cleveland, Ohio auto accident lawyers for your free, no obligation consultation so that we can start working for you today.