New Jersey drivers may have to face any number of dangers while on the road. One of many is the wrong-way driver, who can cause panic and dangerous or even deadly crashes through their actions. These crashes can even prove fatal, and you only have a few seconds to react.
Fox6 News asks drivers what they would do if faced with a wrong way driver. While the reaction time and actions may differ depending on the situation, it’s advised in all scenarios to get out of the way of the oncoming vehicle. This can mean swerving, braking, or pulling over. When pulling over, the further away from the road you can get, the better. Any wrong way driver should be given a wide berth.
After you have gotten out of the way, you may then call the police. Their involvement is crucial in preventing the wrong way driver from potentially harming other people on the road. Though you may be tempted to try signaling to the other driver in some way, it’s likely that they either won’t see or be able to process what you’re trying to tell them.
As for things that you absolutely shouldn’t do, police all agree that no one should ever attempt to follow a wrong way driver to ensure their safety or try to catch their attention. This puts you at risk and also adds to the danger that other drivers are facing, since there are now two cars going in the wrong direction.
If you have had a run-in with a wrong way driver before, you may also want to contact an attorney. Financial compensation options may be available to you.