CROSSOVER CAR ACCIDENTS IN WASHINGTON STATE
Head-on, crossover car accidents are among the most serious types of collisions because of the severe injuries that often result. According to one study, 30% of cross-median crashes result in serious injuries and fatalities. A Washington State Department of Transportation Median Treatment Study found that across-median collisions “have been identified as a national problem due to the severity of crashes that occur when errant vehicles cross the median and enter the opposing lanes of travel.”
MEDIAN BARRIERS TO PREVENT CROSS-MEDIAN CRASHES
A median barrier may be needed on roads with a history of crossover collisions. The effectiveness of a proper median barrier in preventing cross-median crashes is well-established. Median barrier options include concrete Jersey barrier, guardrail, cable barrier, and on lower speed roadways, barrier curb.
The Washington State Department of Transportation’s Design Manual (July 2011) states that “medians are to be analyzed for the potential of an errant vehicle to cross the median and encounter oncoming traffic,” and “consider median barrier . . . when there is a history of cross median collisions.”
GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES DUTY TO INSTALL MEDIAN BARRIERS TO PREVENT CROSSOVER COLLISIONS
Governmental entities have a legal duty to design and maintain reasonably safe roads under Washington law. In some circumstances, that includes a duty to install median barrier to prevent recurrent crossover collisions.
THE EXPERIENCED ROAD DESIGN ATTORNEYS AT THE STRITMATTER FIRM ARE HERE TO HELP
If you or a loved one have been injured because of a dangerous road condition, call The Stritmatter Firm for a free consultation with a member of our team of experienced road design lawyers.
To learn more, watch Keith & Ray’s March 2022 Webinar on Government Liability for Dangerous Roads.