KCRA reported on a wrong-way driver accident last month in Sacramento County that took the life of the driver and a passenger. According to reports, the driver and his passenger died when their vehicle crashed into another vehicle while travelling the wrong-way on Highway 99 in Sacramento County.
The wrong-way collision happened just north of Elkhorn Boulevard in the southland lanes of Highway 99. The driver of the other vehicle was transported to UC Davis Medical Center with serious injuries. The CHP said that alcohol appears to be a factor in the wrong-way driver accident.
Wrong-Way Collisions According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), wrong-way driving is defined as “vehicular movement along a travel lane in a direction opposing the legal flow of traffic on high-speed divided highways or access ramps.” …show more content…
By far, the most common reason for a wrong-way collision is alcohol. In over one-half of the wrong-way collisions in 2013, alcohol was a contributing factor. However, there are other common causes of wrong-way collisions. Common causes of wrong-way collisions include:
• Unclear road signage
• Fatigue
• Lack of visibility — many wrong-way collisions occur at night when visibility is decreased
• Confusion (i.e. some older drivers become confused and go the wrong way)
• Turning the wrong direction onto a one-way road
• Getting on the wrong freeway entrance ramp
• Driving while distracted
What Can Be Done To Prevent Wrong-Way Collisions?
Some states are attempting to reduce the number of wrong-way collisions by installing addition signs, LED lights that flash one way, and pavement markings that trigger flashing wrong way signs. Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent all wrong-way collisions. Additional signs and flashing signs may help stop some drivers but drunk drivers often ignore signs. Drivers who are confused or distracted may miss these signs as