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How to Respond if You See a Vehicle Headed the Wrong-Way

Posted by Russell West | Nov 15, 2022 | 0 Comments

A 13-year-old in Spokane was recently involved in a wrong-way crash and ended up with broken bones but no other injuries. Fortunately, the driver, as well as an infant in the vehicle, were not injured. The vehicle was headed the wrong way on SR 2 when the crash occurred about seven miles north of Spokane. 

The Washington State Patrol reports that the driver subsequently struck a Nissan Sentra traveling southbound in a head-on direction. This collision caused the Sentra to roll over and come to a stop on its top in the median.

The name of the 15-year-old in the first vehicle has not been given because she is a juvenile. Law enforcement also reports that additional details about the accident are still under investigation. Meanwhile, the 20-year-old driving the Sentra and a 1-month-old baby were taken to a nearby medical center. Neither the driver nor the baby is reported to be seriously injured.

Fortunately, everyone involved in the accident was wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision. Drugs and alcohol do not appear to have played a role in the accident. Due to the accident, SR 2 was closed for several hours while law enforcement investigated. 

What to Do if You Spot a Driver Going the Wrong-Way

Thousands of individuals each year end up in wrong-way crashes. Most wrong-way traffic occurs on divided highways, which have substantial medians. If you are traveling on a divided highway and notice a vehicle headed in the wrong way toward you, every second counts. Some of the important things that you should do in such a situation include the following:

  • Exercise the highest degree of caution possible
  • Slow down your vehicle by gently and slowly taking your foot off the gas
  • Make sure there is not a vehicle in the lane next to you
  • Steer away from the driver headed in the wrong direction
  • As soon as you can safely do so, get to a safe place and call 911

Most wrong-way accidents occur between 9 pm and 5 am. If you come across a wrong-way driver at night, utilize caution and keep your eyes on the horizon so that you have as much time as possible to get out of the other driver's way. You should also do your best to "stay right at night," which means you should stay in the right lane unless you absolutely must pass another motorist. You should avoid entering the left lane if you are traveling at night. This is because a wrong-way driver will be reversed, and many will be driving in what they think is the right lane, but which is the left lane of a motorist who is going the right way. 

Speak with a Knowledgeable Spokane Accident Lawyer

Each month in Spokane, countless people have their lives forever changed as a result of car accidents caused by someone else's negligence. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by someone else's negligence, you should not hesitate to speak with an experienced accident attorney. Contact West Law Office today to schedule a free case evaluation. 

About the Author

Russell West

Russell West from West Law Office, located in Spokane, Washington represents clients in areas of criminal traffic, misdemeanors, and personal injury. DUI’s, Reckless Driving, Negligent driving, Hit and Run, and Driving with Suspended license are the majority of criminal traffic violations. Drug Charges, Theft, and Domestic Violence account for most of the other criminal cases Russell handles.

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West Law Office - Russell West Attorney

Spokane Attorney Russell West practice areas include: Auto Accidents, Personal Injury, Motorcycle Accidents, Slip and Falls, DUIs, DOL Hearings, Criminal Traffic, Expungement/Vacating Records, and Insurance Bad Faith

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