Posted in Car Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on March 2, 2016
Wrong-Way Accident on I-24 Wednesday Morning Kills 1
One fatality was reported after two vehicles collided head-on in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 24 early Wednesday morning in Clarksville.
According to a report by WKRN.com, the accident happened just before 2 a.m. near exit 4.
A spokesperson with the Tennessee Highway Patrol told reporters that a vehicle was traveling west in the eastbound lanes of the interstate before it collided with another vehicle. The driver of the vehicle that was traveling in the wrong direction was killed as a result of the accident.
The THP temporarily closed all eastbound lanes of I-24 near the accident to investigate what happened and clear the scene of debris. All traffic was rerouted off the interstate at exit 4 to detour around the accident scene before being allowed to re-enter I-24 at exit 8.
Emergency responders, state troopers, and police were able to clear the accident scene and reopen the roadway to eastbound traffic just before 6 a.m. Wednesday.
What Are Common Causes of Wrong-Way Accidents?
Because of their high likelihood of being head-on collisions, wrong-way accidents are extremely dangerous for all drivers in Tennessee. Most roadways are designed to prevent head-on and wrong-way collisions through the use of safety features like guard rails, medians, cement dividers, and one-way street signs, but they still happen on a frequent basis—and the victims of these accidents often suffer disabling and life-threatening injuries.
Some of the most common causes of wrong-way accidents include:
Alcohol and drugs can significantly impair drivers’ ability to make good judgments and see the road clearly. If they’re under the influence and driving during times of low visibility, such as rainstorms or late at night, they may fail to see posted “Wrong Way” signs and enter interstates or highways traveling in the wrong direction. Because traffic may be sparse during these times, they may not realize their mistake until it is too late.
It’s acceptable to pass slower traffic when you use the left lane on a highway or interstate, or if the road you’re traveling on has broken yellow lines separating both lanes of traffic. However, roads with double yellow lines means that passing is forbidden—and for good reason, as visibility is often reduced due to bends, dips, or curves in the road. Drivers who try to pass in areas where it’s not allowed put themselves and other motorists at high risk of wrong-way and head-on accidents, as neither driver may have enough time to react and slow down or move out of the way.
On many streets and roadways in Middle Tennessee, traffic moving in opposite directions may be separated by just a few inches. When drivers get distracted due to using smartphones, texting, changing the music on their stereos, or reaching for items in their floorboards or gloveboxes, their vehicles may drift into the path of oncoming traffic. Even a half-second where drivers look away from the road is enough for their vehicles to drift into adjacent lanes of traffic and result in serious wrong-way accidents.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Clarksville auto accident attorneys know that wrong-way accidents are among the most dangerous and deadly of all types of car crashes. Because they often involve two vehicles colliding head-on, drivers and passengers who are involved in these accidents have a higher risk of suffering injuries that can cause disabilities and life-threatening medical emergencies.
If you or someone you love was injured in a wrong-way or head-on collision that was caused by a negligent driver, we may be able to help you recover compensation for your accident-related expenses, including your medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repair costs, and more. To find out how we can put our two decades of experience to work for your family, dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form.
