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Each year, hundreds of Americans are killed in wrong-way driving car accidents. Substance impairment, elderly drivers, and driving alone all increase the risk of operating a car in the wrong direction. Encountering a wrong-way driver can be one of the most terrifying experiences on the road. This is especially true when faced with a cognitively impaired driver, as they’ll be unpredictable. It’s crucial to know how to react quickly and safely to avoid a deadly collision. Here’s what you should do if you find yourself in this situation.

First, stay calm. Panic can cloud your judgment, making it harder to react appropriately. As soon as you see a wrong-way driver, look to get out of the way safely. Slow down, as this gives you more time to think and react. Next, move to the right. In the U.S., this is typically the safest bet because the wrong-way driver will likely be in the left lane, thinking they’re on the correct side of the road. Focus on the immediate danger rather than making a 911 call.

If you can, flash your headlights to alert the wrong-way driver. Honk your horn to get their attention. These actions might help them realize their mistake and correct their course. However, don’t rely on this – your primary goal should be to avoid a collision.

A "wrong way" sign posted on a traffic cone on the side of a road peppered with more cones
Kevin Brine via iStock

Don’t follow a wrong-way driver. This only increases danger. Once you’ve moved to the right and slowed down, look for a safe place to pull over. If you’re on a highway, try to get off at the next exit or pull over onto the shoulder. This minimizes your time on the road with the wrong-way driver.

Once you can confirm a safe status, call 911. Provide as much detail as possible about the wrong-way driver’s location, direction, and the type of vehicle they’re driving. This information helps authorities respond quickly and potentially prevent an accident.

Remember, encountering a wrong-way driver is rare but extremely dangerous. Staying calm, moving to the right, and alerting the driver can increase your chances of staying safe.

Sources: AAA, FocusOnDriving.com via the Arizona Department of Transportation

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Editor-in-Chief

Sarah Kennedy

Sarah Kennedy joined the MotorBiscuit team as managing editor in 2021 and brings with her a bevy of automotive expertise. She’s an ASE-Certified Automotive Service Consultant and licensed car salesperson with over a decade of shop operations experience.

Sarah was the creator of “Shop Smarts” for MOTOR Magazine and was a contributor from 2013 to 2020. Her work earned her a Gold Medalist award from the American Society of Business Publication Editors in 2014 and Bronze Medalist awards from the International Automotive Media Competition in 2014 and 2015.

She has attended the Automotive Management Institute and earned her bachelor’s degree in English from The Ohio State University.