Two Wrong Way Accidents Occur Within 24 Hours in Metro-Atlanta Area
Recently, two wrong way accidents occurred within 24 hours in the Metro-Atlanta area. The first accident happened at approximately 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 19. A DeKalb County police officer tragically died after his car was hit head on by a driver traveling the wrong way near the Buffington Road exit. The officer was traveling westbound when an SUV carrying five people, two of whom were juveniles, struck the police car. At least one passenger in the SUV was seriously injured.
A day later, on Sunday, September 20, another wrong way accident in Forsyth County killed one woman and sent another to the hospital. Police report that motorists started calling 911 to alert authorities that a Honda Accord was traveling south in the northbound lanes. Sadly, there was not enough time to prevent the deadly accident. The 21 year old driver of the Accord traveling the wrong way struck a Nissan Exterra, driven by a 27 year old woman in a head on fashion. The wrong way driver was tragically pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, while the other driver was seriously injured. Alcohol is suspected to be a factor in the crash.
Frequency of Wrong Way Driving Seems to Have Increased
There have been a series of wrong way accidents in the Atlanta area over the past year. Over the summer months, at least three horrific wrong way accidents sadly killed and injured drivers in the metro Atlanta area. These accidents have caused many motorists to raise questions and concerns as to why these crashes are occurring, as well as how police intervene to prevent wrong way motorists.
When police receive a call of a motorist traveling in the wrong direction, they will respond as quickly as possible and attempt to halt the wrong way driver using whatever means necessary, but aiming at all times to keep drivers safe. Unfortunately, officers cannot always act fast enough to prevent an accident.
The causes of wrong way accidents are numerous. Many accidents occur due to unfamiliarity with the roads. Atlanta has a number of one way streets and unexpected entrance and exit ramps. Those unfamiliar with the city can make a fatal mistake and enter the road traveling the wrong way. One of the most common causes of wrong way accidents is drug and alcohol use. Drunk drivers will be so lacking in perception that they can enter the highway in the wrong direction and continue until they are involved in an accident. To combat this, police and fellow motorists should remain vigilant in looking for and reporting suspected drunk drivers.
Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law: Put Our Over 39 Years of Experience to Work on Your Case!
If you or a loved one has been injured in an car accident, contact the Georgia Car Accident Attorneys at Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law. Our firm is dedicated to assisting those injured in all manner of traffic accidents across Georgia and in the Southeast and we bring over 39 years of experience to your car accident case, providing you with the compassionate representation you need to protect your rights. The sooner you act after your injury, the greater your chances of obtaining a full recovery. As such, it is important that you seek the assistance of an attorney as soon as possible. Call Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law, 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.
Source:
http://www.ajc.com/news/news/crime-law/1-woman-killed-another-critical-after-wrong-way-cr/nnjdF/