Commonsense Strategies When Dealing With A Wrong Way Driver
Wrong way drivers are increasingly responsible for a substantial number of head-on collisions and serious injuries across the country. Because this is indeed the case it is important to consider some commonsense strategies for dealing with drivers who have turned down a one-way street going in the wrong direction. For example, one of the most effective strategies for dealing with a wrong way driver is to simply pull over to the shoulder and stop your vehicle.
Hazard Lights
Completely vacating the road is always the best option when a wrong way driver is present. Most importantly, drivers encountering a wrong way vehicle should never move to the left. Statistically speaking most wrong way drivers will be in the left lane going in the wrong direction. Drivers who encounter someone traveling in the wrong direction should flash their lights and beep their horn and even engage their hazard lights. Other strategies such as flashing the high beams can be effective at getting the wrong way driver’s attention.
Help To Save Lives
As a reminder, even when flashing lights and sounding the horn it is important to clear the highway first to ensure your own safety. All this in addition to dialing 911 and calling the police to report this type of situation can help to save lives. There are number of reasons why wrong way drivers make a wrong turn including everything from dementia patients not remembering where they are to impaired drivers being intoxicated. As an added note it is always considered good advice to never turn around and follow a driver that is going in the wrong direction. This can only add to the problem and create an even more dangerous situation.
Reduce The Chances Of Accidents
Perhaps one of the easiest ways to avoid an encounter with a wrong way driver is the always look well ahead toward the horizon when driving on a road or highway. One of the earliest indications a wrong way driver has turned onto a one-way street is a backup of traffic, swerving cars or the headlights of a car coming directly toward you. Follow these simple commonsense strategies when dealing with a wrong way driver to greatly reduce the chances of accidents, injuries and even loss of life. Contact Hastings & Hastings, a Phoenix accident lawyer any time you have been injured due to the negligence of another driver.