Encountering a wrong-way driver is one of the most frightening experiences you can have on a Connecticut highway. It is also extremely dangerous because the collision that often results is usually head-on, meaning that there is a greater chance of fatality.
Though there is little you can do about the driving behavior of others, you can take steps to either avoid a collision with a wrong-way driver or, at the very least, minimize the damage that can result.
- Limit distractions
Avoiding driving distractions to the extent possible is always a good idea. According to Lohud, when it comes to dealing specifically with a wrong-way driver, it can give you a couple of extra seconds in which to react.
- Try to get the other driver’s attention
Flash your lights and/or honk your horn to try to alert the other driver to the hazardous situation.
- Look ahead
Instead of looking only at the path directly in front of you, scan the road ahead of you as far as you can. This can help you identify potential hazards ahead of time and decide how to avoid them. Every second counts, so the more time you can give yourself to think, the better.
- Avoid the left lane
When vehicles travel the wrong way, they usually drive in the left lane. Therefore, you can decrease your chances of a collision by using the left lane only for passing and keeping to the right lane as much as possible. Or, if it is a three-lane highway, you can give yourself options by driving in the middle lane.
- Steer right
Side-impact accidents tend to be less dangerous than head-on collisions. Therefore, if a crash is inevitable, you should try to steer to the right to present a different target to the other vehicle.
- Call 911
As soon as it is safe to do so, pull over and report the wrong-way driver to the authorities.
Taking these steps may help you and your passengers stay safe on the road.
The information in this article is not intended as legal advice but provided for educational purposes only.
