Wrong Way Crashes Claim Lives

Since the beginning of this year, eight people have been killed  in wrong way crashes in our area alone.

According to WNEP, that number surpasses the total number of wrong-way crash deaths throughout the entire state of PA in the year 2014.

The apparent spike in wrong-way crashes in recent months has law enforcement and PennDOT officials looking at what is causing these crashes and how they can be prevented. PennDOT workers checked the sections of Interstate 81 where the accidents occurred to determine where the wrong-way drivers could have entered the highway going the wrong direction. They found that there were warning signs in place and that the signs were in good condition. So, some officials have started looking to other solutions to stop these kinds of accidents and save lives.

When it comes to preventing a crash with a wrong-way driver, every second counts. From the time a driver begins traveling in the wrong direction, everyone else on the road is in danger, so it is vital that law enforcement intervene as fast as possible. While Pennsylvania does not currently have an automatic notification system, other states have had success using radar detection and automatic notifications to help curb wrong-way driving accidents.

These wrong-way crashes all had some factors in common. In most of the wrong-way accidents, including the two that occurred just last weekend,  the drivers were believed to be under the influence of alcohol. And, not surprisingly, the crashes occurred late at night. In addition to exploring wrong-way driving solutions, law enforcement emphasize drunk driving dangers. Because so many wrong way accidents are caused by drunk drivers, some argue that the best way to prevent them is to crack down on DUI enforcement.

If you or someone you know have been hurt in an accident caused by a drunk or otherwise negligent driver, contact the car accident lawyers at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys for a free consultation. We will review the details of your unique situation, explain your legal rights, and help you determine the next steps to take.