Latest Blogs

Wrong-way crashes are alarmingly common. According to the latest data from Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there are roughly 1,400 wrong-way accidents in Florida each year—equating to approximately four such accidents every single day. Why are wrong-way crashes so common? Our Fort Myers car accident lawyer Randall L. Spivey explains.

6 Common Factors in Wrong-Way Car Accidents

One of the main reasons why wrong-way accidents are so common is that they can occur under a wide range of scenarios. From drivers turning the wrong way on one-way streets to drivers attempting to pass when it is unsafe to do so, wrong-way accidents can happen anytime and anywhere. Regardless of the specific circumstances involved, common factors in wrong-way car accidents include:

1. Distracted Driving

Texting, using social media, talking on the phone and talking to passengers are all common factors in wrong-way crashes. When drivers are not paying attention to the task at hand, they are far more likely to make mistakes like drifting into oncoming traffic or failing to spot a one-way sign at an intersection.

2. Fatigued Driving

Studies have shown that fatigue can significantly impair drivers’ abilities. Drivers who are fatigued are more likely to make the types of mistakes that lead to wrong-way accidents. Of course, falling asleep behind the wheel is a concern as well, and many wrong-way accidents occur after dark — when drivers are most likely to be tired after a long day at work or a short night’s sleep.   

3. Impaired Driving

Alcohol-impaired and drug-impaired driving are also common factors in wrong-way accidents. Impairment affects drivers’ visual and cognitive abilities, meaning that they are both (i) more likely to overlook warning signs and oncoming vehicles, and (ii) more likely to make poor decisions that put others in harm’s way.

4. Reckless or Aggressive Driving

Wrong-way accidents can also happen when drivers knowingly make bad decisions. For example, if a driver attempts to pass on a two-lane road without enough room to do so, this has the potential for devastating consequences.

5. Limited Visibility

Limited visibility due to darkness, rain and other factors can cause drivers to end up going the wrong way. But, while limited visibility may be an excuse, it is not a justification.  

6. Unfamiliarity with Local Roads

Unfamiliarity with local roads is also a common factor in wrong-way accidents in and around Fort Myers. If a visitor is trying to get somewhere new, he or she may end up turning the wrong way on a one-way road. Distractions (i.e., talking on the phone or attempting to follow GPS directions) frequently play a role in these scenarios as well.

Talk to Fort Myers Car Accident Lawyer Randall L. Spivey for Free

Have you been injured in a wrong-way accident? If so, you should speak with a lawyer at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. about your legal rights. For a free, no-obligation consultation with Fort Myers car accident lawyer Randall L. Spivey, call 888-477-4839 or send us a message online today.