Man Responsible For Wrong Way Fatal Accident Facing Additional Charges
Last December, a man changed the lives of an entire family forever when he drove the wrong way on Interstate 95 and caused an accident that claimed the life of one and seriously injured two others. According to reports, the man had just left a holiday party when he caused the accident that December evening that seriously injured a mother, left her son with a serious brain injury, and killed her daughter. The man, who has been out on bail, is now facing additional charges including one for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Wrong Way Crashes Rare But Deadly
Wrong way crashes do not happen often but, when they do, the victims typically suffer severe injuries. According to the US Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, these types of crashes make up about three percent of all accidents that occur in our nation every year. However, wrong way crashes kill an average of 300 to 400 people each year throughout the country, a statistic which translates into one percent of the total number of traffic accident deaths.
Alcohol’s Role In Wrong Way Crash Statistics
Looking at a few more statistics, just under one third of all traffic accident fatalities occur as a result of accidents in which a driver is impaired by alcohol. With wrong way crashes, over two thirds involve alcohol impaired drivers, and a high percentage of these crashes occur late at night and/or on the weekends, which is when drivers are more likely to be on the road after too much to drink.
What Can Be Done To Reduce Wrong Way Crashes?
The Florida Department of Transportation recognizes the increase in wrong way crashes and the need to find some way to stop them from happening. Measures are being taken in an attempt to cut down on the chances that drivers will enter a highway the wrong way, including devices to increase on-ramp awareness as well as devices to alert wrong way drivers of their negligent actions. Lighted signs, more visible signs, and extra signage are just some of the efforts being made to combat this growing problem. More drastic measures, including tire-puncturing spikes for vehicles attempting to enter a highway the wrong way, are being considered as well. Though extreme, the benefit of saving just one person’s life is worth it, certainly in the eyes of those who have lost loved ones as a result of wrong way accidents.
Help With Your Auto Accident Case
When you have been injured in an accident, you will have questions, want answers and need results. In times like this, the office of Alan Goldfarb, P.A. is the place to turn to for help. Our Miami auto accident attorneys have decades of experience helping accident victims recover for their losses and can help you obtain the recovery you deserve. No matter how complex your case may be, we will work tirelessly to make sure your rights are protected. Contact us today to schedule your appointment with one of our legal professionals and let us start working for you right away.
