A recent tragic accident in South Austin, involving a head-on collision that resulted in one fatality and serious injuries to two others, underscores the increasing danger of wrong-way driving incidents. This incident, occurring in the 1100 block of West Ben White Boulevard, is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of such accidents.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has reported a worrying increase in deaths from wrong-way crashes in recent years. Between 2015 and 2018, wrong-way driving crashes led to 2,008 fatalities across the country, averaging about 500 deaths per year. This marked a significant increase from the average of 375 deaths per year recorded from 2010 to 2014, showing a rise of over 33% in recent years.
Texas, in particular, has been heavily impacted, recording the highest average yearly death toll from wrong-way crashes at 67.7. This is followed by Florida with an average of 34.4 deaths per year. Factors contributing to these crashes include alcohol impairment, with about 60% of wrong-way crashes involving a driver with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher. Other risk factors identified are older age and driving without a passenger.
If you or a loved one has been impacted by a wrongful death or serious injury due to a wrong-way driving incident, our law firm is committed to providing compassionate legal assistance. We understand the complexities involved in such cases and are dedicated to helping victims and their families seek justice and fair compensation. Contact us for a consultation to discuss your legal options and rights in the wake of these devastating events.
