Davis Law Group, P.S.

Seattle P-I Reports Wrong-Way Crashes on the Rise

The Seattle Post Intelligencer recently reported that wrong-way crashes are on the rise in Washington State.

The Washington State Patrol has reported that Since Dec. 1, 2007, the WSP has received 23 reports of wrong-way drivers in King County.

WSP Trooper and WSP spokesperson, Jeff Merrill, said "We've had a rash of these," he said. "All of a sudden we're having a problem."  There have been dozens of reports of motorists traveling the wrong way on roads during the same period.

Trooper Merrill attributes these types of crashes to drivers who are either disoriented or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  These "wrong-way" accidents can be devastating for obvious reasons.  Two vehicles traveling at each other, especially at high freeway speeds, can easily cause catastrophic injuries or death.

Motorists traveling on Washington highways should be extremely cautious when driving at night, particularly during the early morning hours when there are likely to be more intoxicated or impaired drivers.

Christopher M. Davis