Recently, a wrong-way accident in Iron Mountain, Michigan left three people dead, and three others injured. Early reports found that a Ford Taurus crossed into the opposite lane and crashed into a Buick; speed may have been a factor.
Wrong-way accidents like this one can happen when a car drives into the opposite lane and veers into oncoming traffic, often resulting in collisions. These accidents happen more often than you might think. Unfortunately, due to the nature of such accidents, fatalities are common. However, there are ways to prevent this from happening to you.
Our world is full of distractions, but your driving doesn’t have to be. Here are some ways to avoid a wrong-way vehicular accident:
- Don’t talk on the phone or text while driving. This may seem like common sense, but almost everyone has done it. It is one of the most common reasons for causing accidents. Turn off your phone or put it on silent, and remember that for most things, it can wait.
- Stay under the speed limit. Drivers who speed tend to miss traffic signs which may cause them to veer into the opposite lane. Speeding is dangerous enough. Stay in control of your vehicle.
- Do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This includes many substances that you may not be aware of. For example, some people who take certain medications may not know that they are not supposed to drive while under the effects of that medication. It does not have to be a bottle of wine. It can be a prescription bottle, too.
Automobile accidents are common, and wrong-way accidents happen more often than we think, especially with the many distractions people face every moment of every day. However, you can protect yourself.
Make sure you understand and follow traffic laws and regulations, always stay in control of your vehicle and the speed you drive, and never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.