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Simple Safety Tips When Encountering A Wrong Way Driver

October 19, 2014 Hastings and Hastings

Simple Safety Tips When Encountering A Wrong Way Driver

Wrong way drivers are responsible for a considerable number of accidents and serious injuries that occur on the nation’s roads each and every year. With that said, there are some simple safety tips that can be integrated into anyone’s driving as a way to greatly reduce the dangers associated with coming into contact with a wrong way driver. As a note, national statistics show over 1% of fatal crashes are the result of accidents caused by wrong way drivers.

Very Slow Reaction Time

There are a number of reasons a driver ends up driving down a one-way street in the wrong direction. For example, drivers who are impaired, intoxicated or sleepy can often make poor judgment decisions and end up driving down a one-way street in the wrong direction. In addition, older or elderly drivers can become confused and can easily take a turn down a one-way street in the wrong direction. This is a particularly dangerous situation because elderly drivers have very slow reaction time and are often unable to take corrective action.

Drivers That Are Distracted

Another important concern with regard to wrong way drivers is visitors from other countries unfamiliar with the local traffic laws and traffic signage can easily take a wrong turn down a one-way street driving the wrong way. Finally, inexperienced young drivers and drivers who are distracted by texting or eating while operating a motor vehicle can easily make a mistake and turn down a one-way street going in the wrong direction. Whatever the case may be, one thing is certain and that is wrong-way drivers can be a serious threat to other drivers on the road.

Avoid The Wrong Way Driver

There are a number of ways to avoid a wrong way driver and the accidents that typically ensue under these conditions. For example, looking ahead on the highway for potential problems can detect a wrong way driver in the earliest stages. This affords a safe driver more time to make a decisive move to avoid the wrong way driver. Oncoming headlights are an obvious indication someone is driving in the wrong direction. Any time headlights are seen going in the wrong direction it is best to pull off to the side of the road or take a turn to clear the road. Contact Hastings & Hastings for Phoenix personal injury legal assistance when you have been injured through no fault of your own.