Safety Tips If You Encounter A Wrong-Way Driver In Orlando
Any motorist cruising down the highway will probably feel extremely anxious and panicked if they spot two headlights zooming toward you in the same lane of traffic. Although this is luckily a rare situation to be in, AAA still reports some unfortunate trends on car accidents involving wrong-way driving. The number of fatal wrong-way auto collisions from 2015-2018 went up by 34% compared to the period of 2010-2014. Around 500 people a year are killed in such collisions, and thousands of people annually are victims of serious and catastrophic injuries in wrong-way vehicle accidents. If you were injured in a car crash involving a wrong-way motorist, you should consult with an experienced Orlando auto accident attorney to learn about your legal rights. Read on to learn more about some tips to avoid a wrong-way collision:
Tips For Dealing With A Wrong-Way Driver
Your first priority when encountering a wrong-way driver is always to try and get out of the way. Even though you may want to alert the motorist who is traveling opposite to traffic, you need to make sure you are safe first. Pull over, completely stop, and turn your hazard lights on. Then, alert law enforcement about the wrong-way driver. Some other tips to avoid a car accident with wrong-way drivers (depending on traffic, location, and other circumstances) include:
- Making efforts to get the other driver’s attention like flashing your headlights and honking the horn.
- Never try any unsafe or erratic maneuvers to get away from a wrong-way driver unless you’re about to crash. Slamming on the brakes, swerving into another lane, and speeding are all easy ways to get into collisions.
Avoiding Driving The Wrong Way
The number one reason motorists end up driving the wrong way is impairment, according to AAA. While it may appear obvious, never operate a vehicle if you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Another common cause of such accidents is texting, talking on the phone, and other types of cell phone use, so keep your device out of your hands when driving. Safe road tactics also include being aware of other factors that can cause motorists to stray into a wrong-way driving situation. Sometimes tourists and elderly drivers get confused about signage, particularly in construction zones, so keep an eye out for these drivers and on signs.
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How to Avoid Being the Wrong Way Driver
According to AAA statistics, the top reason motorists end up driving the wrong way is impairment. Never operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Another cause of these incidents is talking on the phone, texting, and other cell phone use, so stow your device while driving. You might also consider driving with a passenger whenever possible, since another set of eyes in the car may prevent you from heading the wrong direction.
Keeping yourself safe may also mean knowing the other factors that can lead motorists to stray into a wrong way driving situation. Confusion about signage is an issue for elderly drivers and tourists visiting Miami, and it is a particular problem in construction zones.
Set Up a No-Cost Consultation with Miami Car Accident Attorney
Although there are many different reasons for why and how a wrong-way collision may occur, incidents involving motorists driving the wrong way in traffic are fairly obviously due to negligence on the wrong-way driver’s part. If you are involved in an auto accident with a wrong-way driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. It is essential to have an experienced auto accident lawyer on your side to help you negotiate with insurance companies, gather evidence, and build a case while you focus on recovering from the accident. Consult with an expert car accident attorney from BCN Law Firm in Clermont and The Villages today to get the compensation you deserve.
