Wrong Way Crashes

It’s been eleven years since Gary Catronio lost his daughter and her friend in a wrong-way collision along the Sawgrass Expressway. Catronio channeled his grief into activism, advocating for mitigation to prevent those sorts of crashes. Since then, flashing signs intended to warn wrong-way drivers and to notify authorities of these driving mistakes have been installed all over South Florida. Additionally, drivers are alerted with other signs a wrong-way driver is headed in their direction. These interventions have been rewarded with a whopping 95 percent success rate, saving untold lives. But that five percent still claims the lives of innocents.

Wrong Way Driving Facts 

Nearly four percent of fatal crashes in this country are the result of wrong way driving, accounting for roughly 500 deaths annually. That number has been steadily increasing, with alcohol impairment the number one factor associated with these fatalities (60 percent). Because so many of these incidents result in head-on collisions, serious injuries and deaths are very likely.

  Wrong Way Driving Mitigation 

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has taken multiple research-based steps across the state to try to prevent wrong way driving accidents:

• WRONG WAY and DO NOT ENTER signs;
• Pavement markings directing traffic away at ramps;
• Lighted signs indicating wrong way;
• Notifications to drivers of wrong-way drivers ahead.

Causes of Wrong Way Driving 

Why might a driver find themselves going the wrong direction on a Florida roadway?  There are many reasons:

• They were under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
• They were distracted and simply didn’t pay attention;
• They were reckless and ignored warnings and signals;
• There were unfamiliar with the area and became disoriented or confused;
• They were suffering from dementia;
• Road markings or signs were confusing;
• They suffered health issues, resulting in poor decision-making;
• They were rushing and didn’t take time to read signs;
• They experienced a medical emergency;
• They might be from a foreign country with different driving rules;
• They are young and inexperienced drivers.

If You Find Yourself Wrong Way Driving 

What if you’re the person who accidentally wound up going the wrong direction on the road? What should you do? FDOT recommends”

• Pull over to the side of the road and stop;
• Turn around when you have a safe opportunity.

If a Wrong Way Driver is Coming Your Way 

What could be more terrifying than seeing a driver headed toward you in your lane? Above all else, keep your cool:

• Slow down;
• Pull over;
• Notify authorities.

The Aftermath 

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a wrong way driving collision, the emotional and financial toll may seem overwhelming. The experienced Kissimmee personal injury attorneys at Salazar & Kelly can help you recover damages to address costs associated with the incident, including lost wages and more. To discuss, schedule a confidential consultation in our office today.

Source:

cbsnews.com/miami/news/dad-remembers-hero-paramedic-son-killed-in-turnpike-wrong-way-crash/?intcid=CNR-02-0623