Six people, including a child, tragically lost their lives after a wrong-way car accident in Jackson, Mississippi. According to news reports, emergency services were called to the scene of the crash on Interstate 55 at Daniel Lake Boulevard on December 7. The police state that the driver of a Chevrolet Silverado was driving south in the northbound lane before colliding with a Hyundai Sonata that was carrying five people.
Both drivers and the Hyundai’s passengers were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, police said.
Police are still investigating the accident and have not released what they think may have caused the crash.
The Dangers of Wrong-Way Car Accidents
Wrong-way collisions are among the deadliest accidents on our roads. The Federal Highway Administration reports that these devastating crashes claim approximately 350 lives each year. These accidents frequently occur on one-way streets and highway ramps throughout Mississippi.
Common causes of wrong-way car accidents in the Jackson area include:
- Interchange confusion: The complex design of highway interchanges around Jackson, especially near I-20 and I-55, can confuse drivers. Construction zones around the metro area can make navigation even more challenging.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol remains a significant factor in wrong-way accidents. Substance use increases disorientation and reduces attention to road signs and markings.
- Visibility issues: Mississippi’s severe weather conditions, from heavy thunderstorms to dense fog, can significantly reduce visibility and obscure lane markings. Nighttime driving presents additional challenges, especially on poorly lit roads.
- Poor signage: Inadequate maintenance of road markings, lighting on entrance and exit ramps, and damaged or missing traffic signs can lead to wrong-way driving incidents.
If you encounter a wrong-way driver, staying alert and calm is essential. Reduce your speed immediately and move to the right lane or shoulder while being aware of surrounding vehicles. Flash your headlights and use your horn repeatedly to alert the wrong-way driver. If they continue driving in the wrong direction, contact 911 immediately to report their location and direction of travel.
If you’ve been involved in an accident with a wrong-way driver in the Jackson metro area, it’s important to understand your legal rights under Mississippi law. Contact our experienced Jackson car accident attorneys at Giddens Law Firm for a free consultation.
Note: Our team of writers uses secondary sources to produce this post, including local and state media and news sources, regional and state police incident reports, social media platforms, and eyewitness accounts about serious accidents in Mississippi. For that reason, if you find any information that is not correct, be sure to contact Giddens Law Firm as soon as possible so that we can update the post with the most exact information available. A post will be removed upon request. All information in this post is informational and not intended to be considered legal or medical advice. This post is not a solicitation for business.