Wrong-way driving has been a major concern for approximately 6 decades. While wrong-way collisions account for only about 3% of all crashes on high-speed, divided highways, the nature of these crashes makes them more likely to have a fatal or catastrophic outcome. One study found that the fatality rate for wrong-way collisions was 27 times that of other types of accidents.
A high percentage of wrong-way drivers are impaired by drugs or alcohol. Because of this, the recommendations made by the NHTSA often focus on preventing DUIs. On average, about 360 people are killed in about 260 wrong-way driving accidents.
In light of these facts, it is still tragic that such accidents occur on our highways. WFLA reports that a head-on crash involving a semi-truck closed Interstate 275 in Tampa.
The crash occurred at about 3:15 a.m. on Monday in the southbound lanes of I-275 between Fletcher Avenue and Bearrs Avenue.
According to Florida State Troopers, a 25-year-old man from Lutz was traveling northbound in the center lane when he struck a semi-truck head-on.
The truck was carrying apple cider and burst into flames following the accident. The driver of the sedan that struck the truck suffered from serious injuries. The truck driver had only minor injuries.
Following the crash, the semi-truck hit a center barrier, which is what caused the fire.
Fortunately, there were no fatalities associated with the accident. Authorities have not said whether or not the crash was alcohol-related, and it has not been mentioned whether charges will be brought against the 25-year-old man.