How Common are Wrong-Way Driver Accidents in New Hampshire?

Seeing a vehicle barreling toward you on the wrong side of the road as you’re driving down a highway is absolutely terrifying. These scenarios often end in head-on collisions that result in serious injuries and fatalities. Fortunately, wrong-way crashes account for a relatively small percentage of total crashes in New Hampshire, but their consequences are disproportionately severe.

Wrong-way accidents can not only cause physical injury, but also substantial financial hardship. If you’ve been in a wrong-way accident, call the experienced New Hampshire lawyers of Tenn And Tenn, P.A. as soon as possible. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and expenses. Contact us today at 888-332-5855 or contact us online today for a free consultation. We represent people throughout the state, from  Bedford to Concord.

How often do wrong-way accidents happen?

Wrong-way driving occurs more frequently than most people realize, but only a small percentage of these incidents result in crashes. For example, New Hampshire had 248 reported wrong-way driver incidents on state highways in 2024, but only 17 resulted in collisions. Nonetheless, this high number of wrong-way incidents and their potential for severe harm alarmed state legislators into proposing a bill that would include wrong-way driving as one of the factors that elevate driving while intoxicated to aggravated DWI, which brings more severe penalties.

Common causes of wrong-way driving.

Wrong-way driving shows several common patterns. In New Hampshire, wrong-way drivers are most often seen on major highways, such as I-93 or the Everett Turnpike, particularly at interchanges or exits where signs or lighting aren’t always clear. These incidents tend to happen late at night or in the early morning hours, when visibility is low and drivers are more likely to be tired or impaired. These crashes mainly occur due to:

• Alcohol or Drug Impairment. Impairment is the leading cause of wrong-way collisions. Wrong-way crashes with the most serious injuries often involve drivers who are under the influence. An AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study found that 60.1 percent of wrong-way drivers in fatal accidents had a blood alcohol concentration of over 0.08 percent.
• Driver confusion or unfamiliarity. A missed or misunderstood sign at a poorly lit ramp can send a driver in the wrong direction without realizing it. Drivers over the age of 70 are more likely to engage in wrong-way driving incidents.
• Fatigue or medical emergencies. Falling asleep at the wheel or suffering a sudden medical issue can cause a driver to drift into the wrong lane.
• Poor signage or road design. Some ramps or road markings can make it easy to mistake an exit for an entrance, especially at night or in poor weather conditions.

Why wrong-way crashes are especially dangerous

Although wrong-way crashes are relatively rare, when they occur, the outcome is almost always severe. These collisions usually occur head-on at high speeds, resulting in one of the most violent types of impacts. When two vehicles collide head-on at high speed, the combined force is equivalent to running into a solid wall. Even with seatbelts, airbags, and advanced safety engineering, people involved in such collisions often suffer severe head and chest injuries, broken bones, and internal trauma. Many victims don’t survive these injuries. Those who do frequently face long recoveries, chronic pain, and ongoing medical visits. Victims must also contend with medical bills and expenses, lost wages, and other economic losses.

How an experienced New Hampshire lawyer can help

If you’ve been injured in a wrong-way crash, it’s crucial to contact a lawyer right away. The experienced motor vehicle accident attorneys at Tenn And Tenn, P.A. know how to move quickly to secure vital evidence, including traffic camera footage, police reports, witness statements, and electronic vehicle data, before information is lost or destroyed. We’ll also work closely with specialized experts, such as accident reconstructionists, to understand exactly how and why the crash occurred, and assess who was at fault. Our team also handles all communication with insurance companies to protect you from pressure to accept a low settlement. Our goal is to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve, including medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income, future care needs, and compensation for pain and emotional suffering. In fatal cases, we also help families file wrongful death claims for funeral costs and the financial support lost due to a loved one’s passing. Call the knowledgeable lawyers of Tenn And Tenn, P.A. today. We represent clients throughout the state, including Lebanon, Nashua, Portsmouth, and beyond. Contact us today at 888-332-5855 or online to discuss your case and help you get the compensation you’re entitled to.