There have been far too many wrong-way crashes in Florida over the years. In 2022 alone, more than 1,800 of these crashes claimed 128 lives. It seems that every couple of months there’s a news story about a horrible accident that kills multiple people. Thankfully, however, more and more parts of the state are implementing a wrong-way driver alert system. This system is reducing instances of wrong-way driving, saving lives in the process.
How does wrong-way driving happen?
It’s understandable that you would wonder how this kind of crash can ever occur. The vast majority of motorists never have issues going the right way, but it can happen, of course. Here are a few reasons why:
- Impaired driving – If someone is drunk or on drugs, they may be more likely to go the wrong way. They might, for instance, drive on the left side of the road or try to enter a highway by using an exit ramp.
- Distracted driving – When a motorist is more focused on their phone than on the road, they could easily wind up driving toward oncoming traffic.
- Unfamiliarity with the road – Drivers who are traveling through areas they’ve never been to can become confused and head in the wrong direction.
How the wrong-way driver alert system operates
Areas along many stretches of Florida interstates have the wrong-way driver alert system. The following is some brief information on how it works.
- The first line of defense consists of several red “wrong way” signs that line the ramp. These signs have lights that shine brightly, warning motorists that they need to stop and turn around.
- A camera and sensor attached to a pole beside the ramp alert Florida Highway Patrol so a trooper can be dispatched to the area.
- Once the sensor sends an alert, all electronic highway message boards within a 15-mile radius flash a “Wrong-Way Driver Reported: Use Caution” message to alert other motorists.
Is it effective?
Without a doubt. The wrong-way driver alert system installed along several toll roads in Central Florida has an 87% success rate. Since its installation in 2015, the system has notified 1,225 drivers they were headed in the wrong direction – 1,070 of them turned around, avoiding potentially devastating head-on collisions.
Tips for avoiding wrong-way driving
In most instances, wrong-way driving accidents involve head-on collisions. These are among the worst kinds of wrecks because they inevitably result in severe injuries and deaths. Here are a few suggestions that could help you avoid drivers headed in the wrong direction:
- Try to stay in the right-hand lane whenever possible. Researchers estimate that nearly 80% of wrong-way accidents occur in the left lane.
- When you’re driving – especially at night – look at the horizon as often as you can. When you look far down the road, you have a better chance of spotting any hazards that might be coming your way. These hazards not only include wrong-way drivers, but also wildlife and pedestrians.
- Check to make sure your headlights are on when you’re driving at dusk, at night, and during heavy rain. Your lights could warn a wrong-way driver that they need to turn around.
What to do if you encounter a wrong-way driver
Unfortunately, no matter how effective Florida’s wrong-way driver alert system may be, no system is without the occasional error. You might still find yourself in this terrifying situation. If you do, taking quick action could quite possibly make the difference between life and death.
The first thing you should do is reduce your speed and get as far to the right of the road as possible. If you’re on a street, get to the closest parking lot. If you’re on the highway, get to the shoulder or take the nearest exit.
When you pull over, call 911 immediately to report the driver. Give the dispatcher as much information as possible, including your location as well as a description of the vehicle headed the wrong way.
Contact our law firm if you’re ever in an accident with a wrong-way driver
The attorneys with the law firm of Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath will be here for you if you suffer a severe injury or lose a loved one due to a wrong-way driver’s negligence. We’ll immediately investigate to determine exactly how the accident took place and who was to blame. Then we’ll pursue claims against all of the liable parties to help you obtain maximum compensation.
If you would like to learn more about how we may be able to help, please get in touch with a skilled Florida car accident lawyer with Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath as soon as possible. You can contact us online or call (561) 655-1990 to schedule a free consultation.
