Wrong Way Accidents a Growing Trend in Western New York

Dec. 14, 2012

Motor vehicle collisions involving wrong way drivers seem to be a growing trend across the United States, including western New York. An article from WKBW 7 News discussed the risks these accidents can present to motorists and what the state is doing to correct the problem.

Data from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) shows that nearly 2,000 wrong way crashes occur each year in the United States, with 22 percent of those accidents resulting in fatalities. This means that roughly 400 people die each year as a result of wrong way accidents, and 60 percent of these crashes have been associated with drunk driving. This trend seems to be becoming more common here in Western New York.

Two years ago, a drunk driver was responsible for causing a wrong way collision on the Kensington Parkway. More recently, an 87-year-old driver was responsible for causing a wrong way Buffalo Car Accident along I-190, near Grand Island, in July that left three people dead.

To combat the problem, the NTSB has begun changing signage in areas notorious for wrong way accidents. For instance, larger signs were installed to warn wrong way drivers along RT 33 after nearly 30 wrong way accidents in the area. Signs have been placed lower to make them more visible to motorists.

The Buffalo Car Accident Attorneys with William Mattar Law Offices are hopeful these changes will successfully prevent these deadly accidents.