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Combating Wrong-Way Drivers

Posted on behalf of Arnold Law Firm in

traffic warning signWrong-way driving accidents account for only one percent of traffic collisions in the U.S., but they are extremely dangerous and often fatal.

Five wrong-way crashes occurred in the greater Sacramento area from January to May 2015, resulting in the deaths of 16 people, according to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).

In response to the serious threat wrong-way drivers pose to California’s roadways, California Highway Patrol (CHP) and Caltrans have created a pilot program designed to prevent future incidences of wrong-way driving from happening. CHP and Caltrans will focus the pilot program along Interstate 5, U.S. Route 50 and Interstate 80 in Sacramento and Yolo Counties.

The pilot program will attempt to combat wrong-way driving by utilizing:

  • Two-way, red and clear reflective pavement markers that turn red when a driver is traveling the wrong way
  • Enhanced wrong-way traffic signs with flashing lights and active monitoring systems that use dual radar to detect wrong-way drivers

The new monitoring system will immediately alert CHP and Caltrans of wrong-way drivers and take photographs of the vehicle for the agencies to use.

California isn’t alone with its efforts to combat wrong-way drivers. Japan developed a successful awareness program that detects more than 90 percent of wrong-way drivers by using GPS devices to alert the driver through visual and audio messages. The Florida Department of Transportation is currently testing raised LED pavement as markers to alert drivers who are traveling the wrong way on an interstate or highway in an effort to prevent wrong-way collisions.

Accidents caused by wrong-way drivers can result in serious injuries and devastating fatalities for those involved. These accidents are completely avoidable, and efforts like the CHP’s and Caltrans’ pilot program will help prevent future instances of wrong-way driving from happening.

If you were injured or lost a loved one in an accident caused by a neglectful wrong-way driver, you may be entitled to compensation for any medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering that resulted from the crash. The Arnold Law Firm’s car accident attorneys can help you file a claim that will hold the driver responsible and enable you to pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.

Contact a Sacramento injury lawyer at our firm today at (916) 777-7777 or complete our Free Case Evaluation form today.

Settlement - $3,767,000

Truck Accident

A 20-year-old man who had been married for just 12 days left home on his way to work. He was driving on Pleasant Grove Road in Sutter County in the early morning when he came upon a slow-moving truck. As he pulled out to pass the truck, the truck driver turned left in front of him. The young man attempted to steer back into his lane but his vehicle struck an un-flagged piece of metal extending from the back of the truck. He died in the resulting crash.

Expert witnesses brought in by the Arnold Law Firm proved that the truck, owned and operated by a hauling firm, should never have been on the highway that morning. Specifically, the rear and side turn signals did not work and the rear-view mirror was in a poor state of adjustment at the time of the collision. As a result, the driver, who had failed to properly inspect the vehicle before setting out that morning, couldn’t see the young man’s vehicle as it attempted to pass.

The poor condition of the truck, its lack of maintenance and the manner in which it was operated were found to be substantial factors in causing the collision that killed the young man. The testimony also established that the man had been making a lawful pass at the lawful speed limit and acted reasonably when he attempted to avoid the collision.

The man’s 20-year-old widow was awarded $3,767,000.77, his parents were awarded $185,131 and the family was reimbursed $11,899 in funeral expenses. Though money is a poor substitute for a young man’s life, this verdict demonstrates that drivers who endanger the lives of others will be held accountable for their actions.