Texas accident attorneys highlight TxDOT’s focus on a long-term and increasing crash trend in our state: wrong-way driving crashes. TxDOT says that in 2011 our state suffered 329 wrong-way crashes. 79 of those occurred in 4 North Texas counties. More than half of the 79 North Texas wrong-way crashes happened in Dallas County. (Possibly another reason that Dallas features so prominently on Men’s Health Magazine’s list of the most dangerous cities in which to drive.)
Studies of wrong-way crashes by the Texas Transportation Institute reveal that up 75% of these wrecks are caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol. In the last few days, at least two major wrong-way crashes occurred in North Texas. Wednesday morning in Irving, TX, an accident caused by a wrong-way driver led to a second wreck involving a Fire Department vehicle. Another wrong-way wreck between a car and pickup truck in Fort Worth led to a DWI charge for the wrong-way driver.
So TxDOT has slated a new research project beginning in September to look at ways to deter wrong-way driving and prevent crashes. The project will focus on ways to get the attention of possibly impaired wrong way drivers, types of countermeasures effective in properly orienting wrong-way drivers, and ways to alert wrong-way drivers to the fact that they’re driving the wrong way down the road before a crash occurs.
If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by a wrong-way driver, contact our experienced Texas accident attorneys for help. They know how to pinpoint liability in a complex accident scene, and help you obtain the financial compensation your deserve for your traumatic injuries. Call 877-307-9500 (toll free) or use our online contact features to schedule your free legal consultation.