Statistics and physics will both show that a head-on collision is the most dangerous type of accident to be involved in because of the severity of the impact when two forward-moving vehicles crash into one another. It is crucial that North Carolinians become aware of the dangers head-on collisions pose due to the growing number of accidents in the state being caused by wrong-way drivers.
The North Carolina auto accident attorneys at HensonFuerst explain data collected by state troopers shows there have been 52 collisions so far this year that have been caused by wrong-way drivers. That’s a 34 percent increase from the previous year’s total at the same time of year.
Many states are working to reduce head-on collisions that are caused by wrong-way drivers by upgrading signage to warn motorists who are traveling against the flow of traffic. However, North Carolina is not one of them. A report from WSOCTV 9 News explains officials say research doesn’t justify the costs of the equipment and work that would be necessary to complete such a project.
Motorists should be aware of the steps to take in the wake of a crash. Too often, the accident is just the beginning of a long road to recovery. Here are steps you can take toward making North Carolina’s roads safer to travel:
- Don’t drink and drive- Law enforcement reports that motorists who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs contribute to causing a disproportionate number of wrong-way and head-on collisions, so it’s important to stay sober when driving.
- Be aware- Poor weather, limited visibility at night, and simply being lost can lead to motorists going the wrong way or getting into the wrong lane on a road. Avoid these hazards by slowing down, making sure to read signs, and asking for directions or help when needed.
- Report it- If you see a driver headed in the wrong direction on the road, contact the local authorities so the driver can be stopped before an accident occurs.
We hope these tips help to keep you and your loved ones safe on the road.