Drivers traveling the wrong way cause more car accidents in Texas than in any other state in the country, according to a recent study focusing on wrong way auto accidents in the Lone Star State.
The Texas Department of Transportation recently announced these findings as well as possible solutions to this serious problem, according to a KXAN news report.
Specific data about the number of recent wrong way accidents in Texas was not available. However, a story published last year about wrong way accidents by NBC 5 in Texas found that wrong way car accidents increased by 13 percent in 2014. The same news story also noted that hundreds of people have been injured and killed in wrong way auto accidents in Texas in the last four years.
Why do wrong way auto accidents happen?
Most wrong way accidents happen on highways when drivers accidentally drive onto an exit ramp onto a highway. Such accidents are especially common at night, when drivers might not be able to clearly see whether they're entering a highway on the right side. That's why state officials have installed motion-activated signs at more than 50 locations statewide that light up when drivers start driving the wrong way on a highway off ramp.
Another contributing factor in many wrong way accidents is alcohol consumption. According to News Channel 10, many drivers who cause wrong way accidents are over the legal limit for Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC), which is .08 percent in Texas.
One of the most recent wrong-way accidents in Texas occurred on I-35 last month. A college student driving on the wrong side of the road crashed into a minivan, killing four people in the other vehicle. Police are now investigating whether alcohol was factor in the Feb. 19 accident on Interstate 35, according to Fox News Channel 7.
What can drivers do to reduce wrong way accidents?
One thing drivers can do to prevent wrong way accidents is pay closer attention to the signs on the road before entering a highway.
Another important step is making sure you and others drive sober. Texas leads the nation in fatal drunk driving accidents. More than 40 percent of all fatal accidents in Texas in 2014 occurred due to drunk drivers, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). It's also important to note that Texas lead the nation in 2014 for the total number of motor vehicle fatalities of any state.
Wrong way accidents are a serious matter. If you or a loved one has been injured in this type of accident, contact our law firm immediately. Our experienced accident attorneys know how to thoroughly investigate complicated crashes and find the facts you need to build the strongest possible legal case. Call 1-800-455-1054 and schedule your free case evaluation today.
