What Should California Do to Prevent Wrong-Way Driving Accidents?

After a wrong-way car accident seriously injured three people last week on the 710 Freeway in Long Beach, we have been discussing the tragic reality of wrong-way drivers. Sadly, wrong-way traffic accidents occur more frequently than you may think, and these high-speed, head-on accidents all too often result in life-threatening injuries and fatalities.

In our last article, we discussed the five common ways that wrong way accidents occur. In this blog post, we’ll look at three ways other states are combating wrong way driving.

• Improve signage on confusing ramps and exchanges. Some wrong-way crashes occur because drivers are confused by interstate and freeway ramps. These crashes could be prevented by better or more signage. Some recent research has found that impaired drivers may miss signs posted seven feet above the ground, and that lower signs could help combat confusion.
• Better enforcement of DUI laws. More than half of all wrong-way driving accidents are caused by drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol and operating their vehicle illegally. Reducing the number of wrong-way drivers may be as simple as reducing the number of drunk drivers. This can be accomplished through more police patrols, harsher punishment for repeat DUI offenders, and more public education and awareness.
• Consider installing car detection technology. Several states, including Arizona and Texas, have installed wrong-way car detectors on toll ways. These detectors immediately alert the police when a vehicle enters the road traveling in the wrong direction (currently, police in California rely upon other drivers to report the wrong-way vehicle). While some believe this new detector could buy time for police to reach a driver before an accident occurs, researchers are still collecting data on their real effectiveness.

Do you need a California car accident attorney to assist you with your wrong-way traffic accident case? Call Russell & Lazarus today: (949) 851-0222.