Route 50 Wrong Way Accident
Fatal Car Accident Winchester VA Yesterday
Virginia State Police are reporting that two people died in a wrong way accident on Route 50 in Frederick County, Virginia, on Thursday night, September 29.
2 cars crashing
Fatal Crash: Route 50 Frederick County
Route 50 Traffic Accident Yesterday
According to reports, Jerry Burke, 85 of Petersburg, West Virginia, mistakenly turned their sedan onto the westbound lane of Route 50 instead of the eastbound lanes. Burke’s vehicle struck a Ford F150 pick-up truck head-on, causing a fatal crash.
Non Life Threatening Injuries: Route 50 Wrong Way Accident
The accident occurred around 8:20 p.m. The driver and passengers of the Ford F150 were transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Speed: A Factor in the Collision
Speed was apparently a factor in this crash, as a witness who was trying to stop the Burkes’ vehicle indicated that they were traveling at speeds approaching 72 miles per hour in a 55 mile per hour zone.
Wrong Way Driving: Occurs Most Often at Night
A head on crash caused by a wrong way driver is more likely to occur at night than during the day. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 60% of wrong way crashes happen between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. The NHTSA also reports that this type of head on crash is more likely to occur on weekends and holidays than during the week.
Age Often Plays a Role in Wrong Way Crashes
Age is another factor that can contribute to wrong way accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that drivers over the age of 70 are more likely to be involved in a head on crash than any other age group. This is likely due to age-related factors such as vision problems and decreased cognitive function.
Alcohol is a Factor in Many Wrong Way Crashes
Many times, alcohol can also be a major factor in a head on motor vehicle crash. In fact, according to the NHTSA, about 37% of wrong way fatal accidents in this country involve a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher. That’s the legal limit in all states. But even a small amount of alcohol can impair a driver’s judgment and increase the risk of a fatal crash. There is no indication that there was any alcohol involved in the deadly crash on Route 50 in Frederick County.
Drivers Can Reduce Their Risk by Staying Sober and Alert
The best way to avoid a head on crash is to stay sober and alert when behind the wheel. Drivers should also be aware of their surroundings and avoid driving on unfamiliar roads, especially at night. If you see a wrong way driver, the best thing to do is to get out of the way and call 911.
What Can Be Done to Prevent Wrong Way Driving?
There are a number of steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of wrong way accidents, such as:
- Installing more prominent signs to warn drivers when they are entering a one-way road
- Improving lighting on roads and highways to prevent entering the wrong lane
- Making changes to highway design to reduce the likelihood of drivers mistakenly entering a wrong lane
- Educating drivers, particularly older drivers, about the dangers of wrong way driving
What to Do If You See a Wrong Way Driver
If you see a wrong way driver, the best thing to do is to get out of the way. If you are able to avoid a collision, call 911 and report the situation. Try to give as much information as possible, such as the location, direction of travel, and description of the vehicle.
Wrong way accidents are often deadly, so it’s important to be aware of the dangers and take steps to avoid them. If you or someone you love has been involved in a wrong way accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options.
If You’re Involved in a Wrong Way Crash, Seek Legal Help
If you or someone you love has been involved in a head on crash caused by a wrong way driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries or losses. An experienced car accident lawyer can review your case and help you understand your legal options.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a wrong way accident, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced personal injury attorney can review your case and help you understand your legal options.
Talk to an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
When another driver is responsible for causing your injuries in a car crash, it is best to consult with an attorney for some advice. Most personal injury attorneys offer a free consultation and will give you some advice about how to handle your claim. Even if you decide not to hire an attorney for your personal injury claim, getting the advice you need from a personal injury attorney can sometimes make a big difference in how your claim is resolved.
The Ritchie Law Firm is here to help. The experienced, certified car accident attorneys at the Ritchie Law Firm will help you prove the other driver caused your injuries. DON’T GET HURT TWICE!! The Ritchie Law Firm will make them pay for their recklessness. We have helped thousands of injured people get the money they deserve.
Contact us by phone at 800-277-6124 or by using our online contact form.
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Ritchie Law Firm serves all of Virginia, while helping clients in cities and surrounding areas of Harrisonburg, Charlottesville, Staunton, and Winchester also serves clients in West Virginia, including Martinsburg, WV.
Ritchie Law Firm is a personal injury law firm devoted to helping individuals who have suffered serious and catastrophic injuries or lost a loved one as a result of someone else’s negligence. Besides serving the Rockingham County and Frederick County areas, the Ritchie Law Firm also serves Albemarle County.
