The thought of a wrong way driver approaching you head on is both frightening and difficult to fathom. Although wrong way driving accidents don't occur as frequently as other types of motor vehicle accidents, wrong way accidents are still occurring throughout the United States and have been happening more frequently. It is important to understand how these accidents happen, and how you can avoid them.

Even though wrong way crashes account for only 3% of highway crashes in the United States, they are almost always deadly. Each year, wrong way drivers are responsible for 360 fatalities. From 2009-2011, 5 fatalities and 38 injuries occurred as a result of a wrong way driver in the state of Connecticut.

What are the Causes?

Connecticut wrong way accidents are almost always caused by driver error. One of the biggest causes of wrong way accidents is a driver operating their vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Other causes include distracted driving, unfamiliarity with roadways, drowsiness, and mental health problems. In some instances, elderly people who get easily confused can cause wrong way accidents.

In addition to driver error, poor highway design is another potential factor that plays a role in wrong-way driver accidents. For example, signs may not be fully visible to a driver, or ramp signs that are poorly marked.

How can it be avoided?

There are a few things you should keep in mind in order to avoid becoming a victim of such a tragic accident. First and foremost, you should always remain alert, you should obey the speed limit, and you should avoid distractions when operating a motor vehicle. Next, you should keep a high visual horizon, keeping an eye on the distance ahead, scanning for any potential hazards. Better vision will give you more time to prepare and make a smart and safe decision.

When driving on a roadway with multiple lanes, you should always consider travelling in the right lane as much as possible, because you have a higher chance of avoiding a wrong way driver. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, 7 out of 9 wrong way driver accidents occur in the lane that is closest to the median.

If you are faced with a vehicle driving towards you head on, you need to find a way to avoid the driver. Depending on the situation, avoiding an oncoming car might require you to swerve out of the way, or to hit the brakes hard. If it is possible, you should get your vehicle to the shoulder and stop the car. It is imperative that you safely and quickly get out of harms way. Once the driver has passed, you should immediately call 911. You should never, under any circumstances, turn your car around and make an attempt to stop the wrong way driver.

If you've been involved in a Connecticut wrong way accident, legal advice is important. You can you can get all your questions answered by scheduling a free consultation with our team of experienced Connecticut car accident attorneys. It is crucial that you speak with a Connecticut car accident attorney who specializes in cases like yours, so you can have the peace of mind knowing your case will be fully and properly developed. Visit our website or call us at 888-244-5480 today. Focus on getting better and we will do the rest.