Eight Injured in Wrong Way Crash on I-75 in Georgia

A wrong way accident in Henry County resulted in several injuries and shut down northbound I-75 for some time on Tuesday, June 23, according to WSB TV. The accident occurred just after 2 a.m. near Hudson Bridge Road. The driver of a 2002 Red Chevrolet Avalanche entered I-75 at either I-675 or Highway 138 and traveled for likely two miles in the wrong direction before causing a massive accident.

Henry County police report that at least eight people were injured in the several vehicle crash. The driver of the wrong way car was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle. Police report that the driver is currently in critical condition. Another driver is also listed as in critical condition. Police report that a child was also injured in the accident. Three of the vehicles involved were from Florida while the driver and another couple were local to Atlanta.

This is the second major wrong way accident recently occurring in Georgia, with a man and two children recently killed by a drunk wrong way driver in Clayton County.

Wrong Way Accidents May be on the Rise

The greater Atlanta area has seen a number of wrong way accidents thus far this year, with many resulting in death or serious injuries. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reports that wrong way accidents generally occur relatively infrequently, but when they do occur, fatal or serious injuries are highly likely.

One of the most common causes of wrong way accidents is the use of drugs or alcohol. Driving under the influence can cause drivers to become confused and disoriented, which can result in entering the roadway traveling the wrong way. Any wrong way accident should be investigated for the potential use or influence of drugs and alcohol.

Other negligent actions can additionally result a wrong way crash. Poor lighting or poorly marked highway entrance ramps can allow a driver to enter the road traveling the wrong way. Road construction that interferes with traffic can also send unsuspecting drivers into the wrong lane. At times, drivers not familiar with the area will become disoriented and find themselves driving the wrong way.

Most wrong way accidents are serious and cause considerable injuries due to the manner in which the vehicles collide. When two vehicles impact each other  head-on, all forward motion stops, making the impact equivalent to hitting a brick wall. This sudden stop of motion can result in, among other things, head injuries, neck injuries, spinal cord damage, organ damage, broken limbs and even death.

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Source:
http://www.wsbtv.com/news/news/local/i-75-nb-shut-down-wrong-way-crash-henry-county/nmjPK/