A wrong-way crash took the lives of two people on Interstate 55 in South St. Louis County early one Wednesday morning back in March. About 350 people die annually in wrong-way driving incidents, despite copious signage. The St. Louis car accident attorneys at Hoffman and Gelfman want you to be aware of the dangers.

A Prime Location for Wrong-Way Accidents
The incident occurred about 3 a.m. in the northbound lanes between Lindbergh Boulevard and Reavis Barracks Road. A 2000 Toyota 4Runner traveled the wrong way, striking a 2017 Hyundai Elantra head-on. The 41-year-old driver of the Toyota, Carlyon Johnson, died later that night at St. Louis University hospital. Hyundai driver, 28-year-old Donta Brown, was pronounced dead at the scene. Neither man was wearing a seatbelt.

Tips for Handling Wrong-way Incidents:

Know common scenarios:

• Freeway entrances/exits.
• One-way streets.
• Near medians/barriers that split the road.

Recognize one-way streets from signs/markings:

• Look for ‘one-way’ signs.
• Look for broken white lines between lanes.
• Remember no yellow markings line one-way streets.

If you encounter an oncoming wrong-way vehicle:

• Don’t panic.
• First, get out of harm’s way.
• Slow/pull over to let the driver pass/turn around.
• Flash your headlights and honk loudly.
• Call 9-1-1 to report the driver.

Has a wrong-turn driver turned your life upside-down? Count on the St. Louis car accident attorneys at Hoffman and Gelfman to set your world to rights.