A tragic crash has claimed two lives, according to local police sources. Both drivers involved in the car accident were killed on the Florida Turnpike after a head-on collision. Investigators are still piecing together what happened, and so far no conclusive statement has been made by law enforcement.
The accident record shows that one of the two vehicles was headed the wrong way in the southbound lanes around 3:00 a.m. on July 19. As a result, that driver struck a driver heading the correct direction head-on. The force of the impact killed both drivers at the scene, and neither driver has yet been identified publicly by authorities.
Reasons why the driver may have been going the wrong direction abound. Police have not ruled out intoxication or recklessness as possible causes, but some community members have voiced concern that exits and entrances on the Turnpike may not be adequately labeled to prevent drivers from accidentally entering the wrong lane. Regardless, the investigation is still underway as of this report.
Regardless of how the highway is labeled, it is ultimately the responsibility of the driver behind the wheel to conduct him or herself in a manner consistent with the rules of the road. Obviously, if Florida police uncover evidence that the wrong-way driver was drunk or otherwise negligent in his or her operation of the vehicle prior to the car accident, it will be considered a “closed case.” However, the family of the other deceased driver will still have the opportunity to file for wrongful death against the wrong-way driver’s estate in a civil court.
Source: CBS Miami, “Deadly Wrong-Way Wreck Claims Two Lives“, Ted Scouten, July 19, 2015