Wrong Way Crashes Mostly Caused by Drunk or Senior Drivers

A recent study conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board looked at more than 1,500 auto accidents between 2004 and 2009, and nine other wrong-way accidents that the NTSB directly investigated. The results showed that a majority of the crashes (59%) involved drivers with blood alcohol levels (BAC) of more than twice the legal limit of 0.08. In 10% of the crashes, drivers had BAC levels between 0.08 and 0.014.

Age Matters in Wrong Way Accidents

Age is also a factor in wrong-way driving. Older drivers appear to be a part of the problem, researchers said. Drivers over 70 were overrepresented in the accidents. Senior operators driving the wrong way caused 15% of the accidents studied, compared to 3% of the right-way drivers they collided with.  

Wrong way accidents involving high speeds, like those occurring on interstates, expressways, and other high-speed highways are especially deadly. Roughly 80% of the accidents studied involved head-on crashes in which the vehicles closed on each other very rapidly.

According to the NTSB, wrong way driving usually occurs when drivers enter an exit ramp in the wrong direction, make a U-turn on the highway, or use an emergency turnaround through a median. Most wrong-way collisions happen in the fast lane of the highway.

Preventing Wrong Way Collisions

Since alcohol intoxication plays such a major role in causing wrong way driving, reducing drunken driving is a big step in reducing the number of wrong-way crashes. Until stricter laws on drunken driving and repeat drunken-driving arrests are the norm in all states, individual drivers need to exercise more caution when it comes to driving before driving. 

If an intoxicated driver has caused an auto accident that resulted in injuries to you or a family member, you may have the right to sue the driver for personal injuries.

To find out about your legal options after a Massachusetts car accident, contact one of our Boston personal injury lawyers at (888) 208-1695. Attorney Tom Kiley has over 30 years of experience fighting for the rights of injured victims. Call the toll-free number (888) 208-1695 to schedule your FREE consultation with attorney Kiley today.