The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) statistics show wrong-way drivers tragically kill about 360 people every year. Most of these accidents are head-on speeding crashes. About 60 percent of all wrong-way accidents are caused by drunk drivers whose blood alcohol level is more than twice the legal limit. Repeat DUI offenders cause 10 percent of wrong-way crashes. 

Below are just a few of the 2021 Florida wrong-way crashes caused by drunk drivers:

• The South Florida SunSentinel reported on January 24, 2021, a Tamarac man was inebriated and driving with a suspended license when he drove his Chevy Tahoe the wrong way down University Drive in Sunrise, Florida. The 42-year-old slammed into two vehicles, leaving one man tragically dead. 

• The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) said a 32-year-old impaired driver caused a serious crash after driving the wrong way in Lehigh Acres in March 2021. 

• The Orlando Police Department reported two Orlando police officers were injured early Thursday, March 18, 2021, in a wrong-way crash. The driver of the vehicle driving in the wrong direction was also injured and taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center with serious, non-life-threatening injuries. Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon told reporters both officers, who were in an unmarked patrol car, required surgery. The driver who caused the accident was charged with DUI.

Under Florida law (FSS316.193), Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of alcoholic beverages, chemical substances, or controlled substances is one offense, proved by impairment of normal faculties or unlawful blood alcohol or breath alcohol level of .08 or above.

The NTSB believes that the number of wrong-way accident deaths could be reduced by encouraging states to toughen their laws on drunk drivers, and the agency is currently debating recommending that all states pass ignition interlock devices for first-time DUI offenders. 

“Should you or a loved one be injured in a wrong-way accident because of the negligence of another, please contact our experienced Fort Myers accident legal team after seeking medical attention. We represent people involved in numerous types of personal injury and wrongful death accidents throughout the state of Florida. All of our clients have unique personal injury cases. Our firm provides personal contact and communication along with aggressive representation. Please go to Testimonials to review what our clients have to say about their experience with our team. There are no costs or attorney fees until we receive a monetary recovery for you, and we are available to assist you 24/7,” said Fort Myers Accident Attorney Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

Fort Myers Accident Attorney Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one percent (1%) of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact  Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County at 239.793.7748.