Interstates and highways intimidate many drivers. Between widespread lanes, multiple exit and entrance ramps, and the high rates of speed at which drivers are traveling, these are common areas for car accidents to occur and the injuries that result can be severe. Of these types of crashes, wrong way collisions are among the most potentially deadly. A recent wrong-way crash in San Francisco that left two people dead and nine others injured highlights how dangerous these accidents are and how they often occur.
San Jose Driver Responsible for Wrong-Way Crash
Recently, a tragic three-car collision on Highway 101 closed all northbound lanes. The accident occurred at roughly 2:30 a.m. when investigators believe a 21-year-old San Jose woman entered the highway going the wrong way from the Vermont Street off-ramp. As she headed southbound in the northbound lanes, she struck an Uber van driven by a 40-year-old man.
The 40-year-old man was an Afghan immigrant who had relocated to the area due to safety concerns regarding work he did with the U.S. Army in Afghanistan over the course of 2015. He was driving for Uber full time as he attended computer science classes at Diablo Valley College. Both drivers were killed immediately as a result of the accident. Six passengers in the van of the Uber driving and three other motorists involved in the crash all suffered serious injuries.
Contributing Factors in Wrong-Way Accidents
Wrong way crashes are one of the least common but most potentially deadly types of car accidents. Research conducted by the California Department of Transportation (DOT) indicates that cases such as the above are fairly typical in terms of the time period in which these accidents happen. In a survey of wrong way accidents across multiple states, researchers found the majority of these crashes occur between the hours of midnight and 5:00 a.m., with 2:00 a.m. being the peak time for accidents.
Unfortunately, statistics show that alcohol use is often a contributing factor in these crashes. As in the above case, they are also most likely to occur on major highways and near entrance or exit ramps. The study shows that increased DUI enforcement efforts over these hours and at these locations could help to reduce the risks, as could increased signage warning drivers of ‘One Way’ and ‘Do Not Enter’ at critical locations.
Contact a Skilled San Jose Car Accident Attorney Today
At the Jachimowicz Law Group, we help car accident victims and their family members get the compensation they are entitled to for the damages they suffer when crashes and collisions occur. If you or a loved one has been impacted by a wrong way crash, call our office at our office or contact our skilled San Jose car accident attorneys online and request a free consultation to find out how we can help you today.
Sources:
https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2019/02/03/2-dead-wrong-way-crash-freeway-san-francisco/
http://www.dot.ca.gov/newtech/researchreports/preliminary_investigations/docs/wrong-way_driving_preliminary_investigation_10-02-15_-_with_appendices_final.pdf
