Wrong way crashes and collisions are among the most serious types of car accidents. In addition to having the potential to result in multi-vehicle pile ups, they put drivers and others involved at risk for serious and often life threatening personal injuries. A recent collision involving two Vancouver residents is a prime example. Police are alleging that the accident likely occurred due to the fact that one of the drivers involved was under the influence of alcohol at the time.
Wrong Way Accident Leaves Two Vancouver Drivers Injured
The Columbian reported on a wrong way accident that happened January 13, 2019, in the west bound lanes of Highway 14. Thirty-five-year-old Vancouver resident Sean E. Seager was driving a Ford Focus, heading eastbound in the wrong lane when he collided with a Toyota Tacoma truck driven by 33-year-old Eric E. Smith, also of Vancouver. As a result of the impact, Smith’s pickup landed on its top, facing sideways in the left hand lane. Seager’s vehicle remained in the right hand lane, effectively blocking traffic in both directions. A third driver, 25-year-old Bryan T. Pope of Vancouver, was also involved in the crash after being unable to stop and slamming into Smith’s vehicle.
While Pope suffered only minor injuries, Smith was rushed to Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Seager, who is alleged to have been under the influence at the time of the crash, attempted to flee the scene on foot. He was almost immediately apprehended by law enforcement and taken to Peacehealth Southwest Medical Center for treatment of his injuries. Police are charging him with driving under the influence, driving with a revoked license, and driving without an ignition interlock device, which he was ordered by the courts to have in place as the result of previous DUI charges.
Wrong Way Accidents and Drunk Driving
Accidents involving drivers who are either in the wrong way or head in the wrong direction down a one way street are among the most severe types of accidents. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), these often involve head on collisions, which kill roughly 400 people each year.
Over the last decade, Vancouver has taken steps to reduce the number of one way streets throughout the city as a means of increasing safety and ensuring a better traffic flow. While this can help to prevent wrong way accidents, highways and interstates still present significant risks. Particularly in rainy, adverse weather conditions or in an unfamiliar area, it is relatively easy to get turned around. Being under the influence of alcohol and other intoxicating substances can increase the risk that a driver will head the wrong way down an exit ramp or use the wrong lane in traffic.
Let Us Help You Today
When traffic accidents leave you suffering serious personal injuries, the Johnston Law Firm can assist you in holding responsible drivers accountable. Contact our Vancouver personal injury attorneys online or call (503) 546-3167 to request a consultation today.