An SUV was driving the wrong way and struck two motorcycles head on killing a rider and passenger on both bikes. Police have booked the driver of the SUV into jail and charged with DUI, vehicular homicide, driving on a suspended or revoked license. Police also say her blood alcohol level was .20, over twice the legal limit.
The tragedy happened on Highway 65 around Avenue 196 near Strathmore, Sunday Morning, August 4, 2019. The driver got on the southbound lanes and was driving the wrong way of the divided highway. She was the only one to survive the accident suffering only moderate injuries.
Wrong-Way Driving and DUI
Wrong way driving (WWD) accounts for 350-400 deaths each year in the U.S. Statistically, this is small, but when a WWD accident happens, it is usually a head-on collision which is the deadliest type of accident and can cause serious injuries to those who survive. To be considered a WWD accident, the driver has to be traveling on the wrong side of a divided highway.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, the majority of WWD accidents happen when a driver enters the freeway from an offramp and then travels the wrong direction. To do this, the driver must driver right by signs that say “Wrong Way” and “Do Not Enter”.
Impairment is the number one reason that drivers mistakenly get on the highway the wrong way. Other reasons are poor signage, poor lighting, at night, or bad weather. When someone is impaired, they are at much higher risk of not being able to see the signs on the exit and mistake the ramp for an entrance.
Wrong-Way Driving Injuries
Since most WWD accidents are head-on collision, the accidents have a higher likelihood of producing serious injuries or fatalities. This is because of the force of the impact that is doubled because of both vehicles’ weight and momentum.
Some of the common injuries in these accidents are:
- Blunt Force Trauma
- Head Injuries/Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Broken Bones
- Chest Compressions
- Organ Damage
- Internal Injuries/Bleeding
- Air bag injuries
Contacting a Lawyer.
It is very important to speak to an attorney after any motorcycle crash resulting in a serious injury.
The loss of a loved one is devastating, and knowing their death may have been preventable if not for another’s negligent or reckless actions makes things even more painful. If a loved one was killed, crash victim’s families should be aware of Wrongful Death Claims, which can help bring some form of justice and closure.
If you find yourself in this position, do speak with an experienced attorney who is familiar with your area.
