After two serious wrong-way crashes in one week (Lancaster Pastor Killed, 13 Injured in 9-Vehicle Crash), the California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Newhall Station is taking a look at wrong-way crash data in hopes of preventing future crashes. Both wrong-way crashes occurred after drivers allegedly under the influence began traveling southbound on the northbound lanes of the 14 Freeway at Escondido Canyon Road in Acton.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), 1,082 people were killed in 2011 by wrong-way drivers. Wrong-way driving accounted for 2.5% of all fatal crashes in 2011. The off-ramp on Escondido Canyon Road (where both recent wrong-way drivers entered the freeway) prominently display Do Not Enter and Wrong Way signs.
CHP believes that wrong-way driving is usually the result of driving under the influence, as was the case with the two most recent incidents. The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker would like to remind drivers to NEVER operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact us today at (800) 333-0000 to schedule a free consultation.
