Cities and counties in California address wrong-way driving proactively by continuously investing in different methods to lower risks of meeting accidents on road for everyone. For example, San Diego created new pavement markings with sensors, illuminated signs, and reflectors in this endeavor in 2018. According to the initial studies, these efforts reduced wrong-way driving crash on road risks by almost 44%. Reflective markers proved immensely useful among all the innovations. Drivers often make small mistakes, but wrong-way driving cannot be discounted due to its fatal and dangerous consequences. Let’s see what causes drivers to be involved in wrong-way driving and how to avoid accidents on road and react to such a situation.
Causes of wrong-way driving accidents on road
While not as common as other accidents on road, their deadly impact makes them an area of focus and grave concern for authorities. Typically, most wrong-way crash on road happen when drivers consume drugs or alcohol and drive on one-way streets or highways at a high speed. A sense of disorientation leads them in the wrong direction, eventually resulting in collisions. These collisions are also linked with old age and inexperience. Aged drivers can get involved in an accident due to reduced visual or cognitive abilities, while new drivers are found guilty because of their unfamiliarity with roads.
Road designs can also be blamed. Think of improper use of signs, poor lighting, and complicated intersections. Even distracted driving cannot be ruled out. Drivers using their phones, listening to music, or eating while driving are prone to ignore warnings and signs. Such a lapse of attention can lead to a dangerous mistake, even for a fraction of a second. Some cases of accidents on road also entail fatigued driving, as tired drivers often take wrong turns.
Ways to handle an encounter with wrong-way driving accidents on road
A qualified personal injury lawyer San Diego can guide you best if something happens. They can navigate the entire legal system to help you obtain a fair settlement for your sufferings from a crash on road. While you recover from your injury, lawyers will strengthen your case by playing on the front foot. Moreover, it can be a scary experience, but a calm mind can make a difference. Due to panic, you can react in an unwanted way and harm yourself more. So, stay focused and watch everything around you. If you notice someone is coming closer to you in your lane, alert them by honking or flashing your headlights.
Suppose the driver continues to move in your direction. In that case, you can safely move your vehicle to the right side. Avoid going to your left; it can land you in the opposite lane. Keep your speed in check to thwart the force of the crash. Slower moving cars are easy to manage. Ensure you are safe and report the event to the emergency services. You will be required to explain the whole thing. Even the professionals may inquire about location, vehicle type, direction, etc.
Sometimes, unfortunate things or incidents happen despite being careful. But you don’t have to feel lonely or helpless. While the accident cannot be reserved, you can minimize its impact on your life and finances by seeking compensation or choosing rental transit services like zingbus to avoid most of your commuting troubles. Your personal injury law firm can lead you in the right direction and make your post-accident journey easier.
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