Wrong-Way Auto Accident on Northwest Side Leaves Driver Dead

According to a KSAT News report, a wrong-way driver was killed after hitting a tree on the Northwest Side Saturday night.

Police say the incident occurred at around 7:30 p.m. Saturday night on  Kyle Seale Parkway near the John Igo Branch Library. The driver was driving northbound on Kyle Seal Parkway when they ignored the traffic signal at the intersection with Hausman Road. They continued driving the wrong way through the intersection until they collided with a tree. EMS rushed the driver to the hospital, where they were pronounced dead. Investigators are unsure why the driver was traveling the wrong way.

Did You Know?

Wrong-way accidents make up roughly 1% of motor vehicle fatalities (300 to 400 per year) nationwide.

What to Do If You Encounter a Wrong-Way Driver in San Antonio

Have you ever been driving downtown and suddenly encountered a vehicle coming at you driving the wrong way?

Wrong-way driving is not common, but it does happen more in Texas than anywhere else in the country. But what happens if a driver is coming right at you while driving the wrong way? What are you supposed to do?

It’s better to prepare ahead of time than to find out after you’ve been hurt in an accident with a wrong-way driver.

#1 — Don’t Panic!

Seeing a car driving right at you is very scary. While it is normal to be scared, panicking will only put you in danger. Slamming the brakes, jerking the wheel, or just letting go of the wheel are common fear responses that could cost you your life in this scenario.

Stay calm and keep control of your vehicle.

#2 — Use Your Horn

Many wrong-way drivers have no idea they are traveling the wrong way. Honk your horn and flash your lights at them to signal danger. However, they are often drunk or experiencing a medical emergency and may not respond to this action, so you will still need to move out of their way. Do not rely on their judgment.

#3 — Move to the Right

Usually, wrong-way drivers will mistakenly drive over the center line of a highway and into your left lane. If this happens, signal and move to the right as soon as possible. If you are near an exit, take it. If not, move onto the right shoulder and turn on your hazards.

If you’re on a one-way street, try to put something in between you and the other car, like a street light, to minimize the impact. If there is a parking space or room to move over without putting others in danger, get as far over as possible and wait for them to pass.

#4 — Call 9-1-1

Once you’re in a safe location, call the police and report the driver. They will give you further instructions. Don’t ever put yourself in danger by trying to block the wrong-way driver. Let them pass, and let the police take care of them.

Hit by a Wrong-Way Driver in San Antonio? Call Carabin Shaw.

Head-on collisions with wrong-way drivers can have a devastating impact. Fortunately, we’ve dealt with major accidents before.

Carabin Shaw has represented those injured by wrong-way drivers in San Antonio for more than 30 years. We’re a trusted name because we put our clients first. Contact the team that cares today and get an expert evaluation of your case at 800-862-1260 or use the live chat to get started. We look forward to serving you.

Contacting a Carabin Shaw attorney is free and does not require you to work with the firm.

¹KSAT Report