From 2003 to 2012, there were 1,173 wrong-way crashes on Florida roads, leading to 164 deaths and 1,322 injuries, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
In early November, two wrong-way drivers struck vehicles within 24 hours of one another in Pasco County, Florida, and both were suspected of driving under the influence (DUI), according to WTSP-TV.
The first incident reportedly occurred along I-275 near Himes Avenue and involved a 64-year-old woman who was arrested for suspicion of DUI. Thankfully, construction crews and road rangers in the area noticed the woman, who had been arrested for DUI two times prior to this incident, driving the wrong way on I-275 and were able to get her to pull over before she caused a wreck.
Unfortunately, the second wrong-way driver was not spotted in time to prevent a crash. The wreck happened on US 19 around 7 p.m. and involved another driver who was arrested for DUI, in addition to leaving an accident scene and driving the wrong way. The woman driving the car the 60-year-old wrong-way driver hit was able to swerve enough to avoid a head-on collision, but still was clipped by the wrong-way driver’s vehicle.
The victim in the second crash was fortunate to escape injury.
What Should I Do If I’m in an Accident Caused by a Wrong-Way Driver?
In the video above, injury lawyer Julie Braman Kane explains what to do if you or a loved one is seriously injured.
Colson Hicks Eidson – Injury Attorneys