Two Crashes Near Orlando Caused by Wrong-Way Drivers
Two separate auto accidents occurred on the afternoon of January 26th, due to a wrong-way driver on State Road 528 in the Orlando area. A 78-year-old male driving a white GMC pickup truck at entered the expressway at approximately mile marker 24 driving westbound in the eastbound lanes. A two-vehicle accident occurred near the on ramp when two vehicles collided trying to avoid the GMC. The driver continued westbound where another single vehicle accident occurred near mile marker 21. In all, the truck traveled over 8 miles before being pulled over by the Florida Highway Patrol. The man’s family was contacted and came to pick him up.
The driver of the GMC pickup was interviewed by authorities and it was determined that he did not realize that he had been driving the wrong way in traffic. He also did not realize at the time that he had caused two separate accidents. Fortunately, none of the other drivers or their passengers were injured in those incidents.
Though it may seem that Tuesday’s events are isolated, the reality is that wrong-way accidents are very common on Florida Highways and Interstates. Officials on the scene Tuesday told reporters that nearly 300 wrong way drivers had been reported in the last year to the Florida Highway Patrol. The situation has become so common that experimental detectors which would alert FHP to wrong-way drivers have been installed at many on-ramp locations along the highways. The detectors installed near the point of entry of Tuesday’s incident were not yet online, and unable to alert authorities of the wrong-way driver.
The best defense against wrong-way drivers is to always remain attentive and alert to your surroundings, according to the Florida Highway Patrol, especially at night. If a vehicle appears to be approaching you in your lane, move right towards the shoulder and slow down. Do not flash your bright lights at the vehicle. By taking evasive action as early as possible, you may be able to avoid a serious accident.
If you or someone you love has been injured an Orlando automobile accident, please contact the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. at 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587).
James O. Cunningham
Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.