According to the most recent data released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), accidents involving wrong-way drivers have been increasing each year. About 60% of wrong-way crashes can be attributed to drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
It goes without saying that it is important to maintain sobriety before choosing to get behind the wheel. If for whatever reason a driver is not fully alert, whether from prescription drugs or alcohol, it is better for the sake of everyone to just call a taxi or rideshare service.
ABC 15 in Phoenix reported on its website that the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) investigators believe that a wrong-way crash that happened on Wednesday on Intestate 17 may also involve a driver who was under the influence of alcohol.
According to the report, emergency crews were sent to a location on Interstate 17 near the Thomas Road Exit on the evening of Wednesday, May 27th at approximately 7:40 p.m.
A wrong-way motorist was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes collided with a Ford pickup truck with a driver and one passenger inside.
In a tweet issued by DPS, the two people inside the pickup truck suffered non-life threatening injuries and were transferred to an area hospital for treatment.
Officials say that the 45-year-old wrong-way motorist suffered serious injuries in the crash and was also taken to the hospital. DPS officers believe that impairment was a factor in the wrong-way crash. The identity of the driver and their current condition were not disclosed at the time of the report.
The accident is currently under investigation.
