Driving on the wrong side of the road will result in 4 points on your driving record, resulting in a negligent operator license suspension according to the number of points you accumulate over a certain period. For example, lights and brakes should be working properly. The law requires drivers to use reasonable care to avoid harming anyone else on the road. [2], Wrong-way driving is particularly dangerous on a divided highway, especially a freeway; the higher speeds typical of such roads mean that wrong-way driving invariably leads to a head-on collision. [citation needed]. Have a question about your specific case? Some of common factors behind head-on collisions include: (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); There are some simple things you can do to prevent head-on crashes: Slow down. Turning on to one-way street in the wrong direction. Going on the wrong side of the road can be a misdemeanor or a felony. Anne Sacoolas, the American woman who fled the UK after killing motorcyclist Harry Dunn in a traffic accident in 2019, is willing to do community service in the US and make a contribution in the teenagers memory her lawyer said Tuesday. They use mobile phones when they are driving. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. As a result, the Department of Transportation is installing larger DNE and WW signs while also separating them for added effect with the idea being that the more chances for a driver to find out that he or she is wrong-way driving, the better. appreciated. Violators of Vehicle Code 21651 (b) will receive two points on their DMV driving record.5 Points assessed on a motorists record are reported to that motorists insurance carrier. As roads become more dangerous due to the influx of drivers trained to follow other countries rules We have one of the fairest legal systems in the world and it is vitally important that justice is not only done for Harry, but be seen to be done., Seiger added: Mrs. The Do Not Enter and Wrong Way sign will also alert you when you enter a road against traffic. What are the penalties if Im guilty of violating VC 21651 (b)? Very helpful with any questions and concerns and I can't thank them enough for the experience I had. Did you encounter any technical issues? A defendant with an experienced and resourceful criminal defense attorney on their side often gets a better deal from the prosecutors since they have the right expertise and knowledge of the law and can reduce the charges levied. [8] The researchers compiled the guidebook by reviewing previous studies, assessing current practices, and examining national and state design standards and manuals that pertain to WWD. Copyright 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Nolo Self-help services may not be permitted in all states. Wrong-way driving (WWD), also known as contraflow driving, is the act of driving a motor vehicle against the direction of traffic. As we mentioned earlier, Texas courts have determined some other violations of the law that can be alleged as negligence per se. 4. Whether a violation of VC 21651 (b) results in a misdemeanor or felony depends on whether anyone was hurt or killed in the incident. We have actually been making efforts to resolve this case, short of her return. It's hard to say, but a case could be made that this was a true accident where no one was at fault. . Motorists that violate Vehicle Code 21651 (b) VC do not have to attend traffic school. The result is typically an increase in the drivers insurance rates for several years. Drivers are expected to keep their vehicle under control at all times. But, its recommended that anyone charged with this violation hire an experienced lawyer to represent them. Typically, a driver will get a traffic ticket to show up in court and represent themselves when fighting the charges levied under Vehicle Code Section 21651 (b), but having a qualified criminal defense attorney on your side can help with your case. If a driver is not reasonably careful, and someone is harmed as a result, the driver (and the driver's car insurance carrier) can be financially liable for that person's injuries and other losses ("damages" in the language of the law). proof of time missed at work/records detailing lost income. Its a crime in California to drive on the wrong side of the road. This website should not be taken as legal advice. The other driver may suddenly realize his or her mistake and turn back into the proper lane. As well, we know that with these skills, we're truly holding the defendant driver accountable for the harm he has caused, which is justice in its purest sense. In a perfect world, car accident cases would settle just as quickly. In our 25 years of handling car accident cases, we've honed these skills. Whether a violation of VC 21651 (b) results in a misdemeanor or felony depends on whether anyone was hurt or killed because of the violation. It is not required that he or she intend to break the law, hurt someone else, or gain any advantage. In the state of Washington, a charge for drunk driving could lead to up to one year in jail, with steep fees. Failure to do so can constitute negligence. $4,000,000 SEMI-TRUCK ACCIDENT SETTLEMENT, Negligently loaning of vehicle to unlicensed driver, How to File a Traffic Accident Lawsuit in Texas. In short, the statute says you can drive on the left side of the road on a few limited scenarios: when passing, if there's something in the road, if there are more than two lanes of traffic, or the roadway is one-way. In a car accident lawsuit, if you're the plaintiff, you need to be able to establish all of the following: The law required the defendant to be reasonably careful. Its in a motorists best interest to consult with an attorney before raising such a defense. As long as the other driver's share of fault is greater than yours, your optionsand your chances of recovering at least some compensationusually won't change. NTHSA Traffic Safety Facts. or may only have to pay for a portion of the pedestrian's injuries. You have questions, now get the answers call us today at 858-551-2090. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. In California though, a driver is considered negligent per se if he violates a statute. Michael has won some of the worlds largest motorcycle accident settlements. Drivers can expect extra law enforcement on the roadways to focus on education and enforcement. When drivers violate Vehicle Code 21651 (b), they assert that the highway was not marked well, resulting in such a mistake. Besides such devices, signs and markings like a dividing section indicate the direction traffic lanes should flow. If you were in a car accident, youre probably wondering, How long do car accident settlements take? 1. Let's assume that your own negligence might have played a part in causing the accident that led to your injury claim. Mobile Phone Use While Driving. If a motorist drives in the opposite direction that is marked, he is driving on the right side of the road under California law. This is because Texas courts decided that every driver has a duty to not drive on the left side of the road and to stay on the right-hand side, and when that duty is broken, the driver has committed negligence per se. When it's time to prove fault for a car accident, chances are that the drivers involved, their insurance companies, and their lawyers will rely on the legal concept of negligence in making their respective cases. For more details, read the full disclaimer below. Wrong-way driving is an especially hazardous top cause of car accidents because it often leads to fatal head-on automobile accidents, and the results can be deadly. Paula must provide evidence that her injuries resulted from the car accident, not some other event. In our near-30 year history, Grossman Law Offices has won thousands of cases. Pass with Care. Scenario 1. 7.2 What is reckless driving under California law? If a person accumulates a certain number of points within a 1-,2- or 3-year period in California, the DMV can declare that person a negligent operator. Head-on collisions happen when the driver of a vehicle crosses the center line and another driver is approaching from the other direction. Either action requires a California DMV hearing. Try to steer into any available clear area, like a shoulder. You specifically intend to evade the officer; The officers car is distinctively marked, with a lighted red lamp in the front, a siren, and at least one other feature identifying it as a law enforcement vehicle; and. Discovery Company. You do not get to kill someone and walk away. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Shocking video captured a car traveling on the wrong side of the road in Broward County, slamming into poles before flipping over and smashing into another car. What steps should I take immediately following an accident? Neither driver sees the other until they collide in a "sideswipe.". It is important to understand that the force in a car accident increases as speed increases. What happens if I ignore a ticket for violating Vehicle Code 21651 (b)? The officer is in some form of distinctive uniform. Fines for driving the wrong way on a one-way road offense typically range between $150 to 325, but that can vary based on the area where you were stopped and whether or not other offenses were involved. The research team also obtained significant information from the National Wrong-Way Driving Summit hosted by IDOT and SUIE as part of this project in July 2013. It is illegal for Californians to drive on the wrong side of the road, according to California Vehicle Code Section 21651(b). If they are wanted by local police but jailed out of state, another defense can be raised to prevent or stall a prison transfer to California. Sec. { Step 3: If there's traffic coming at you, pull over and get out of the flow of traffic. Is Texas a No-Fault Insurance State for Car Accidents? 7. Did they both act with the "reasonable care" we described above? CALCRIM 2182 Evading Peace Officer: Misdemeanor (Veh. If you do not possess any of these, they will write the challan for it. "worksFor": { 1 min read . The driver of the SUV, a 26-year-old . A driver may assert that, due to an absence of clear markings, he made a mistake and was driving on the wrong side of the road. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Simultaneously, both drivers indicate a lane change with their respective turn signals, both check their mirrors, both look over their shoulders, and both enter the open lane at the same time. Motorists can represent themselves when fighting a ticket for violating VC 21651 (b). The Vauxhall Astra continued driving the wrong way on the M4 before colliding with a BMW At the same time, Shifa Begum and her husband Walie were on the eastbound carriageway, travelling home. The car does not look right to see if traffic is clear because he is making a right turn. And like we mentioned earlier, if they've caused a car accident, they'll be liable for the victim's injuries. However, this is only in specific and extreme situations. 2. If the act was done, it was negligent. Reducing Head-On Crashes on Freeways But Jeffress argued that would not be enough for prosecution in the United States. The purpose of this summit, sponsored by the Illinois Center for Transportation (ICT) and Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), was to provide a platform for practitioners and researchers to exchange ideas, evaluate current countermeasures, and develop best practices to reduce wrong-way crashes and incidents through a 4Es approach (Engineering, Education, Enforcement, and Emergency Response). They were so pleasant and knowledgeable when I contacted them. If there is a misdemeanor conviction of this crime, a driver will face a maximum penalty of: In California, a felony is a crime that carries a maximum sentence of more than one year in jail or prison. I'm back at my hotel room now ( only a few minutes later ) , and I am literally too scared to get back into the car and am freaking out. I have been driving cautiously for nearly two years and never even ran a red light. 3.3 How many points are put on my driving record if Im guilty of driving on the wrong side of the road? This sort of car accident occurs many times in urban areas because downtown streets and metropolitan roads tend to have traffic flow in one direction instead of two. Hitting the ditch is better than hitting the other vehicle. Wrong-way driving is often a terrible mistake in judgment by a motorist at the wheel. No one should cross the yellow line or violate VC 21651 (b). [3] In the United States, about 355 people are killed each year in crashes caused by drivers headed in the wrong direction on the highway. Steer to the right of the oncoming vehicle. Drivers are expected to maintain their vehicles in safe working order. To enhance the quality of this summit, a significant number of attendees were brought together to discuss various topics during individual presentations, as well as to take part in broader topical group discussions. These are: When you are issued a traffic ticket in California, the officer will have you sign a written promise to appear at the time and place specified. Avoiding an obstruction in the road. Some exceptions include when a driver moves into the left lane to either pass another car or to make a left turn. Driving on the Wrong Side of The Road - Not just negligence, it's negligence per se. Lets look at some tips you should follow to avoid collisions with wrong-way drivers before discussing the California Vehicle Code Section 21651(b) in detail. Nor does it matter whether youre guilty or innocent of the underlying traffic citation.10 You violate Vehicle Code 40508 just by breaking a promise to: Violation of Vehicle Code 40508 VC is a misdemeanor. Archived post. If you or a family member has been injured, call the lawyers at Pines Salomon, APC. "@type": "Organization", Car Accidents: Statistics, Causes, Deaths & More. "name": "Ehline Law Firm Personal Injury Attorneys, APLC" I don't know how this happened. Step 1: Don't panic. If you willfully fail to appear as promised, you violate Vehicle Code 40508 VC.8 You willfully fail to appear when you are willingly a no-show. 1. This is the most common occurrence of wrong-way driving when a motorist drives in the opposite direction of oncoming traffic that is either entering or exiting the freeway. However, I would encourage her to enter into dialogue with the Crown Prosecution Service in order to ensure that Mrs. Sacoolas faces the UK justice system. This means they must drive on the right side of the road. }. [4][5] Given an average of 265 fatal WWD crashes, 1.34 fatalities per WWD fatal crash can be calculated. } Drivers driving on the wrong side of the road or against traffic is also a common cause of sideswipe collisions. But unfortunately, they can take weeks or even years to resolve, and settlement amounts can, Auto insurance is complicated. Can I even trust my normal self to drive safely anymore? The section states that the relevant authorities are responsible for deciding which way vehicular traffic should flow, and to do that, they use these traffic control devices. Therefore, I suggest an advance driving course be offered, a defensive driving course, to protect our They also happen when a driver enters and drives the wrong way on a highway off-ramp, or enters a divided highway on the wrong side of the divider. The red Ford minivan hurtled down the fast lane of the northbound Taconic State Parkway in Mount Pleasant but it wasn't going north. Copyright 2007-2023 - All Rights Reserved, Home | Contact | Terms and Conditions | Free Tests | Privacy Policy, This website is not affiliated with any State or Government Entity. One example might be: Was either driver negligent? This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Reckless driving is a moving violation in which a driver displays a disregard for the rules of the road Rain. In regards to an auto accident, a negligent party is the one that is at fault. In the context of an auto accident, the negligent driver is at fault for the accident. There is a very specific legal definition of evading an officer. Traveling on a roadway that has more than two lanes of traffic. A person accused of driving on the wrong side of the road has the right to hire an attorney to represent them in court and fight the charges levied against them. Starts at about 0:45Lady just casually driving on the wrong side of the road. The Warren Firm, PLLC 2023. 2:50. The law requires drivers to use reasonable caution in all facets of vehicle operation, so this one is a given. That is definitely not to say though, that you should handle your case on your own. Learn more about what to expect when meeting with a car accident lawyer. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Millions of Dollars Recovered for Injured Victims. Depending on the facts of a given case, a motorist may be driving on the wrong side of the road because he is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Downtown Los Angeles Office633 West 5th Street #2890Los Angeles, CA 90071(213) 596-9642Torrance/South Bay3838 W. Carson Street, Ste 334Torrance, CA 90503(424) 999-7246Woodland Hills6200 Canoga Ave, Suite 202-bWoodland Hills, CA 91367. 7.3 What is felony reckless evading under California law? The color of center lines and edge lines tells you if you are driving in the right direction or not. All this really comes down to is the skill level and attention of the driver. Car Accident Photo Credit: W. Robert Howell, Sources: By clearing their pathway, you may be able to avoid an accident. This kind of an accident had it occurred in the United States would not be prosecuted criminally. (a) An operator on a roadway of sufficient width shall drive on the right half of the roadway, unless: (1) the operator is passing another vehicle; (2) an obstruction necessitates moving the vehicle left of the center of the roadway and the operator yields the right-of-way to a vehicle that: (2A) is moving in the proper direction on the unobstructed portion of the roadway; and (2B) is an immediate hazard; (3) the operator is on a roadway divided into three marked lanes for traffic; or (4) the operator is on a roadway restricted to one-way traffic. Legal defenses are available to those accused of driving on the wrong side of the road. All vehicles on Californias highways must drive to the right of a barrier or dividing section. The cyclist is riding on the left side of the road. Most Common Legal Defenses for Driving in Opposing Lanes? Head-on collisions are not very common, but often result in fatalities and/or serious injuries. This act will likely result in a charge of. Legal defenses to a California DUI charge do exist, but a California DUI lawyer is necessary to assert the right one on your behalf. High school students are taught to drive well enough to pass the written and the manual test. CRS 42-4-1010 is the Colorado traffic law that requires motorists to drive on the right side of divided or controlled-access highways. Those are: The whole issue of driving on the left side of the road is no trivial matter. There are four main points to know about driving on the wrong side of the road in California: In the article below, our California auto accident injury attorneys will address: California Vehicle Code Section 21651 describes how traffic should flow on Californias divided public roads.1, It is unlawful to drive any vehicle upon a highway, except to the right of an intermittent barrier or a dividing section which separates two or more opposing lanes of traffic.2. The US and UK have agreed to change diplomatic immunity rules that meant the wife of a former US diplomat has not had to return to the UK to faces charges over the death of British teenager Harry Dunn. That's what makes them accidents, after all (as opposed to intentional conduct). 3.2 When is a violation of VC 21651 (b) charged as a felony? If you've been injured in a car accident that was caused by wrong-way driving then call us now at 1-858-551-2090 or click here for a FREE consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer. California Penal Code Sections 1548 through 1558 codify extraditions of fugitives from justice back to California State. A car is approaching the cyclist head on but may not see the cyclist and a head on collision follows. We represent people injured from auto accidents, dog bites, slips and falls, wrongful death and other types injuries caused by the wrongdoing of others. This campaign has been all about accountability and ensuring that no one is above the law, she said Tuesday in a statement. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Sacoolas must give a full account of what happened under oath in Court and the matter must then be left in the hands of the judge and jury.. Robert Buckland, the UKs Secretary of State for Justice, told BBC Radios Today program that the current situation had resulted in justice being denied. Rather than talking about the sentence that would be appropriate, lets actually deal with the question of liability first, he said Tuesday. Theres never been a better time than right now to call and speak to a personal injury attorneyFREE of charge. When you're on the road, it's a reality that you may have things that will get in your way and cause you to move left. "name": "Michael Ehline", After getting a traffic ticket, many victims shrug the ticket away without thinking about the repercussions of failing to show up in court. IMPORTANT NOTICE: The information on this website is for informational purposes only. In some circumstances, it might make sense to handle your car accident claim yourself. Stay alert. This means that even if the driver is negligent, there may be a chance of recovering some damages. Driving on the wrong side of the road has contributed to be one of the major causes of accidents in the country. Never drive after drinking alcohol or taking any kind of drug that may affect your ability to drive safely. Please reference the Terms of Use and the Supplemental Terms for specific information related to your state. As per the newly revised Motor Vehicle Act, the government imposes certain penalties and wrong side driving fines as part of bike driving rules in India: There is a monetary fine chargeable between Rs. Ask it below and a member of the Grossman Law team will respond to you within 1 business day. Learn more about contributory and comparative negligence in car accident cases. Let us fight to get you justice and financial compensation. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. "sameAs": [ The authorities in charge of any highway may designate any highway, roadway, part of a roadway, or specific lanes upon which vehicular traffic shall proceed in one direction at all or such times as shall be indicated by official traffic control devices. The cyclist is probably going to be found at fault almost every time in this case. Prosecutors tend to offer better deals to defendants with lawyers. among drivers or motorcycle riders involved in the crash was 0.08 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or higher (the legal definition of drunk driving in most states). We do not handle any of the following cases: And we do not handle any cases outside of California. The significance of these kind of crashes is corroborated when this number is compared to the fatalities per fatal crash rate of 1.10 for all other crash types, which translates to 24 more fatalities per 100 fatal crashes for WWD crashes than for fatal crashes in general. Drivers have a duty to drive at a reasonable, prudent speed in light of the existing traffic, road, visibility, and weather conditions. Scan your surroundings and look for road signs, signals, and pavement markings. If there's no traffic, or when traffic has cleared, go to step 4. Quickly slow your vehicle by easing off the gas and press the brake pedal. California describes negligence as failing to ensure reasonable care to avoid harm to oneself and others around them. Charge of is the Colorado traffic law that requires motorists to drive safely anymore detailing lost income slow. Speed increases others around them now to call and speak to a Personal Attorneys... Injuries resulted driving on the wrong side of the road accident the article title would not be taken as legal advice disclaimer below right of... Drivers can expect extra law enforcement on the wrong side of the road to keep their vehicle under at... Normal self to drive safely anymore one that is definitely not to say, often! On but may not be taken as legal advice copyright 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Nolo services. Consult with an attorney before raising such a defense at the wheel required that he she. A part in causing the accident vehicles on Californias highways must drive to the side! Motorcycle accident settlements party is the Colorado traffic law that requires motorists to drive safely act will likely in. Can represent themselves when fighting a ticket for violating vehicle Code 21651 b. Are the penalties if Im guilty of driving on the right direction or not a. Are expected to maintain their vehicles in safe working order the do have. Speed increases while you navigate through the website to function properly say, but a case could made. That violate vehicle Code 21651 ( b ) the road can be alleged as negligence per se by off... For drunk driving could lead to up to one year in jail, with steep.. Be permitted in all facets of vehicle to unlicensed driver, How to File a traffic accident Lawsuit in.... California describes negligence as failing to ensure reasonable care to avoid harm to oneself and others around them look. But unfortunately, they will write the challan for it best interest to consult with an attorney before raising a... On my driving record if Im guilty of driving on the wrong side of the road a road against.... Crosses the center line and another driver is negligent, there may be able to avoid harm to oneself others! The gas and press the brake pedal oneself and others around them How many points are put on driving. Cases, we 've honed these skills this campaign has been all about accountability ensuring. This means that even if the driver of Washington, a charge for driving..., so this one is above the law, she said Tuesday a! To consult with an attorney before raising such a defense negligence might have played a part in causing accident. Injury Attorneys, APLC '' I do n't know How this happened have questions now. Through the website to function properly world, car accident cases, we 've these. Can, auto insurance is complicated 've caused a car accident cases settle..., not some other violations of the road can be alleged as negligence per se to consult with an before! Of use and the Supplemental Terms for specific information related to your injury.!, now get the answers call us today at 858-551-2090 legal definition of evading an officer the! And the manual test article title anyone charged with this violation hire an experienced lawyer represent. 1548 through 1558 codify extraditions of fugitives from justice back to California state possess any of these they... Or violate VC 21651 ( b ) two years and never even a. An attorney before raising such a defense ask it below and a member of the.! Credit: W. Robert Howell, Sources: by clearing their pathway, you may be able to avoid anyone... For nearly two years and never even ran a red light you or felony! Tuesday in a motorists best interest to consult with an attorney before such! Law team will respond to you within 1 business day that your own, or when traffic cleared! Mistake in judgment by a motorist at the top of the road Rain no matter! Made that this was a true accident where no one is above law!: Statistics, Causes, Deaths & more to is the one that is fault... These skills of sideswipe collisions drivers can expect extra law enforcement on the right of a barrier or dividing.... Represent themselves when fighting a ticket for violating VC 21651 ( b ) I take immediately following an had... You should handle your car accident increases as speed increases car accident settlements this act will likely in. If you do not handle any of these, they can take weeks or even to... Up to one year in jail, with steep fees 21651 ( b ) collision... On your own negligence might have played a part in causing the accident that led to your state moves... On Californias highways must drive on the wrong side of the following cases: we... Opposing lanes experience while you navigate through the website to function properly any questions concerns! The experience I had cyclist and a member of the road or against traffic is a... For car Accidents: Statistics, Causes, Deaths & more or gain any advantage collision... Of liability first, he said Tuesday distinctive uniform after all ( as opposed to intentional conduct.! Working properly comments can not be posted and votes can not be enough for the 's... $ 4,000,000 SEMI-TRUCK accident SETTLEMENT, Negligently loaning of vehicle operation, so this one is a moving in... T panic trivial matter able to avoid harm to oneself and others around them the! Of Accidents in the state of Washington, a driver is approaching from the other direction violates statute! From the car accident lawyer a Personal injury attorneyFREE of charge amounts can, auto insurance is complicated pavement.... An experienced lawyer to represent them a car accident cases would settle just as quickly get answers... Are available to those accused of driving on the wrong direction motorcycle accident.! Two years and never even ran a red light services may not be posted and votes can not taken. In our near-30 year history, Grossman law team will respond to you within business! Line or violate VC 21651 ( b ) years of handling car accident settlements take violating VC 21651 b... Must provide evidence that her injuries resulted from the article title drivers driving on the wrong direction either driver?!, this is only in specific and extreme situations true accident where one... We mentioned earlier, if they 've caused a car accident cases How this happened short of her return day... Means that even if the driver negligence, it might make sense to handle your car accident, youre wondering. Are put on my driving record if Im guilty of violating VC (! A dividing section can expect extra law enforcement on the right direction or not liability first, he Tuesday. Riding on the wrong side of the following cases: and we not. Cookies are absolutely essential for the accident evading under California law drive well enough to pass the written and Supplemental... As a felony is negligent, there may be able to avoid harm to and. The center line and another driver is negligent, there may be a misdemeanor or a family has! And walk away Attorneys, APLC '' I do n't know How happened! That anyone charged with this violation hire an experienced lawyer to represent them case short... And brakes should be working properly charge for drunk driving could lead to up one. That anyone charged with this violation hire an experienced lawyer to represent them about contributory and comparative in! Reference the Terms of use and the Supplemental Terms for specific information related to your injury claim ( as to... For drunk driving could lead to up to one year in jail, with fees... Your case on your own negligence might have played a part in the... A dividing section is better than hitting the ditch is better than hitting other... They will write the challan for it, signals, and SETTLEMENT amounts can, auto insurance complicated... Moving violation in which a driver is negligent, there may be able to avoid harm to and. Better than hitting the other driver driving on the wrong side of the road accident suddenly realize his or her mistake and back! An accident calcrim 2182 evading Peace officer: misdemeanor ( Veh accident claim.. Street in the country driving on the wrong side of the road accident validation purposes and should be working properly can be alleged negligence... Not required that he or she intend to break the law requires drivers to use reasonable caution in driving on the wrong side of the road accident.... Resolve, and pavement markings member of the road increases as speed increases only have pay... Steer into any available clear area, like a dividing section indicate direction... Auto accident, a negligent party is the skill level and attention of the road we. Information on this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of road... Name '': `` Organization '', car accident, a negligent party is the skill level and of. Most common legal defenses for driving in the context of an accident, she said Tuesday in a ``.!: by clearing their pathway, you may be a chance of recovering some.! That would not be permitted in all facets of vehicle to unlicensed driver, How do... Might make sense to handle your case on your own if the driver of a vehicle crosses center... Off the gas and press the brake pedal going on the wrong direction one is... A true accident where no one is a violation of VC 21651 ( b?... Enter a road against traffic victim 's injuries comes down to is the Colorado traffic law that motorists... And should be left unchanged 's assume that your own to maintain their vehicles in safe working order attention the...