1 Killed, 2 Injured in Wrong-Way Crash
Wrong-way crashes happen a lot more frequently nowadays. Whether they are due to distracted driving, intoxication, or other factors, these accidents are often deadly. Sadly, this was recently the case in Manatee County.
A wrong-way driver was killed in a crash on Interstate 75 on the morning of March 24. Two people in another vehicle were injured.
The crash happened just before 2 a.m. on I-75 South, about a mile away from the Manatee/Hillsborough county line. A 32-year-old man from Wimauma was driving a sedan north in the southbound lanes of Interstate 275. He then got onto I-75, drove into the southbound lanes, and continued driving the wrong way. That was when he crashed head-on into another vehicle, which was driven by a 23-year-old Bradenton woman. A 29-year-old Saint Cloud man was driving a sedan that rear-ended that woman’s car.
The wrong-way driver died at the accident scene. The Bradenton woman suffered critical injuries and was flown to Tampa General Hospital. Her passenger, a 42-year-old Bradenton man, suffered minor injuries. The Saint Cloud man was not injured in the crash. The accident is still under investigation.
Causes of Wrong-Way Accidents
Wrong-way crashes can cause serious damage and injuries, especially at high speeds. Here are some reasons for these accidents:
- Driver impairment. One of the leading causes of wrong-way accidents is intoxication due to alcohol, drugs, or medication. Impaired drivers may not realize they are entering an exit ramp or may misinterpret signs, leading them to drive in the wrong direction.
- Confusion at interchanges. Complex highway interchanges can confuse drivers, especially those who are unfamiliar with the area. Poorly designed or poorly marked interchanges can increase the likelihood of drivers entering exit ramps or one-way roads in the wrong direction.
- Distracted driving. Distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio can divert a driver’s attention from road signs, leading them to enter a roadway in the wrong direction.
- Inadequate signage. Insufficient or poorly placed signage can contribute to wrong-way accidents. Missing or obscured signs indicating one-way roads, exit ramps, or do-not-enter zones can confuse drivers and cause them to travel in the wrong direction.
- Poor lighting. Low visibility conditions coupled with inadequate road lighting can make it difficult for drivers to discern road signs and markings, increasing the risk of wrong-way accidents.
- Driver fatigue. Fatigued drivers may exhibit impaired judgment and slower reaction times, making them more susceptible to wrong-way driving mistakes, especially late at night or early in the morning, when fatigue is more prevalent.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, depending on the circumstances involved. In some cases, like this, they can even cause death.
A Bradenton car accident lawyer from Cahall Law Firm can help you deal with the aftermath of a crash. We know how stressful and overwhelming such an event can be. To schedule a free consultation with our office, call (941) 281-2019 or fill out the online form.
Source:
bradenton.com/news/local/article287046395.html
