Wrong-way car accidents, especially when they happen on the interstate, can have catastrophic consequences. Head-on collisions are very dangerous and often lead to serious injuries. At interstate speeds, these crashes could happen at a combined speed of around 150 mph, making them extremely dangerous.
What some reports have found is that most of these interstate crashes happen because of impaired driving. A drunk driver accidentally gets on the interstate going the wrong direction, does not realize their mistake and continues driving until they encounter oncoming traffic and cause a wreck. Impairment could, in some cases, also involve the use of substances other than alcohol.
Is there anything you can do to stay safe?
Naturally, avoiding drinking and driving yourself can dramatically increase your own safety. It can also be helpful to try to limit the driving that you do late at night, which is when many drunk driving accidents occur.
You can also focus on defensive driving. If you anticipate the mistakes others are going to make, you may be able to avoid a crash. For instance, it may be helpful to stay in the right lane on the interstate. A wrong-way driver who believes they are also in the right lane will then be in your left lane and may pass without incident.
But even if you take these steps to try to protect yourself, there is only so much you can do to limit your exposure to impaired drivers. They can still cause serious accidents, and you need to know how to seek financial compensation if you have suffered significant injuries.