Few driving mistakes are as uncommon as driving the wrong direction down the interstate. Traffic is designed to flow in one direction, controlled by on-ramps and off-ramps, ensuring that lanes never cross paths. Additionally, there are numerous warning signs to alert drivers who might make an accidental mistake.
That said, even though these situations should never occur, wrong-way car accidents happen every year. Many result in fatalities or serious injuries. These crashes occur at very high speeds, making it extremely difficult for drivers traveling in the correct direction to avoid them. But why do these accidents keep happening?
The role of driver impairment
The biggest reason is driver impairment. This could involve impairment from cannabis, medications, illegal drugs or other substances—but it most commonly involves alcohol. A driver who ignores wrong-way signs and mistakenly uses an off-ramp to enter the highway may be so impaired that they don’t realize the critical mistake they’ve made.
This is also why wrong-way accidents are so difficult to prevent. Safeguards are already in place, and the interstate system is designed with safety in mind. However, if drivers continue to operate vehicles after consuming alcohol, there’s little more that can be done from a road design perspective to ensure they always travel in the correct direction. This highlights why drunk driving is such a dangerous habit, yet one that people continue to engage in, despite its illegality.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by a wrong-way driver or a drunk driver, take the time to carefully explore all of your legal options.