Wrong-Way Accidents Problematic in Florida

On July 11, two Lauderdale Lakes men in a Honda Accord were fatally wounded in a wrong-way accident on I-95 just north of Yamato Road.

The wrong-way crash was just one of many that occur each year across Florida.

While wrong-way accidents account for only three percent of all highway accidents, they are typically fatal. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, nationally, about 260 fatal wrong-way accidents caused 360 deaths.

The incident in Boca Raton this year caused the two victims to be ejected from their vehicles. In October 2013, another wrong-way crash in Stuart led to the death of two men. Two young women were killed on the Sawgrass Expressway just one month later as a result of adrunk 20-year-oldwho was also speeding at the time of the crash.

Alcohol is a common factor in these types of accidents. About 59 percent of wrong-way accidents between 2004 and 2009 involved a driver with a blood alcohol level of .15, which is nearly twice the legal limit.

Florida is ranked third in the nation for the mostwrong-way accidentsand fatalities.

As a result of rising wrong-way collisions, the Florida Department of Transportation began a pilot program that would equip 15 exit ramps on the Florida Turnpike and Sawgrass Expressway with signs and sensors alerting drivers and authorities of a vehicle entering the exit ramp.

Since October, when the pilot program began, there have been 13 cases in which drivers turned into an exit ramp. In all instances, the drivers managed to turn around before officers arrived, indicating the warning lights and sensors were working.

It has not been revealed if the pilot program will expand, however, numerous lives have likely been saved thanks to the pilot program.

If you see someone driving the wrong way on a highway or road, call the authorities as soon as possible.

The car accident attorneys at Gordon & Partners believe that victims of negligent drivers deserve justice. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a wrong-way accident, contact us for a free legal consultation.

Call 1 (855) 722-2552or fill out a Free Case Evaluation.