Deadly wrong-way car crashes are increasing in Oregon

(APRIL 12, 2021) Car accidents are common, but it's not often that cars crash because someone is driving the wrong direction. And yet, fatal wrong-way crashes are increasing fast. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), deadly crashes have increased by 164% from 2010 to 2018.

"They're happening more often, and the numbers are pretty staggering," said Marie Dodds. She is from AAA. She spoke with KATU TV News. She said there are three major factors in these crashes.

One factor is "impairment." That's when a person cannot drive well because of alcohol or drugs. A second factor is age. Drivers over 70 years old cause more wrong-way crashes than younger drivers. The third factor is driving alone. That's because a passenger can warn you about driving the wrong direction.

What doesn't matter? AAA said gender (male or female) is unimportant. Also, the type of vehicle doesn't matter. And it doesn't matter if you have a current license or not.