Wrong-way crashes on the Treasure Coast: A threat on Florida’s roads

Discover why wrong-way crashes are on the rise in South Florida and the Treasure Coast—and learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones on the road.

Every year, countless lives are shattered in an instant due to one of the most catastrophic types of vehicle accidents: wrong-way crashes. In South Florida and the Treasure Coast, these devastating collisions are becoming disturbingly common.

• In April 2025, two people died in a fiery wrong-way crash involving three vehicles on I-95 in Fort Pierce.
• In March 2025, a young woman from Port St. Lucie was driving southbound in the northbound lane of I-95 and caused an accident that resulted in two fatalities.
• In January 2025, a wrong-way crash in Port St. Lucie on NW St. James Drive resulted in serious injuries to a 3-year-old and the death of a woman.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has reported a steady increase in wrong-way driving incidents, with many resulting in fatalities or life-altering injuries. From I-95 in Indian River County to the Turnpike in St. Lucie, the threat of encountering a driver going the wrong direction has become a real and frightening possibility for local motorists.

In this blog, the accident attorneys at Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd explore the causes and risks of wrong-way accidents, offer practical safety tips to avoid them, and outline the steps to take if you or someone close to you is impacted.

How and why do wrong-way crashes happen?

Wrong-way crashes typically occur when a driver enters a highway or one-way road in the wrong direction. The most common causes include:

• Driving under the influence: Impairment from alcohol or drugs is the leading cause of wrong-way driving incidents. Intoxicated drivers often become disoriented, especially at night, and may enter ramps or interchanges incorrectly.

• Driver confusion: Unfamiliarity with roadways, poor signage, construction zones, or confusing infrastructure can lead to wrong entries, particularly among elderly or out-of-town drivers.

• Fatigue and distraction: Drivers who are overly tired or distracted may miss signs or directional cues, especially in poorly lit areas.

• Intentional acts: In rare cases, wrong-way driving is deliberate, such as in cases of road rage or suicidal intent.

Unfortunately, once a vehicle is traveling the wrong way on a high-speed roadway, the margin for correction becomes incredibly slim.

Why wrong-way crashes are often fatal

What makes wrong-way crashes so deadly is the physics involved. These collisions are usually head-on, often at high speeds, and leave little to no time for evasive action. The result is a significantly higher rate of serious injury or fatality compared to other types of accidents.

Other contributing factors include:

• Late-night occurrence: Most wrong-way crashes happen at night or in the early morning, when visibility is low and drivers are less alert.

• High-speed impact zones: Interstates and highways—where most wrong-way crashes occur—see speeds of 60–75 mph. A head-on collision at these speeds is nearly always catastrophic.

• Multiple vehicles: The initial impact often leads to chain-reaction collisions, endangering multiple drivers and passengers.

Victims of wrong-way crashes often face severe trauma, long-term disabilities, and significant emotional and financial burdens.

How to protect yourself from wrong-way drivers

While not all wrong-way crashes can be avoided, there are key steps you can take to reduce your risk:

• Stay in the right lane: Statistically, most wrong-way drivers enter the highway and drift into the left (passing) lane. Staying in the right lane can provide extra time to react.

• Drive defensively at night: Be especially vigilant between midnight and 6 a.m., when most wrong-way incidents occur.

• Scan the road ahead: Always look ahead for headlights approaching in the wrong direction—especially on ramps or curves.

• Avoid distractions: Keep your focus on the road. Distractions delay your ability to detect and react to danger.

• Report suspected wrong-way drivers: If you see a car going the wrong direction, pull over safely and call 911 immediately.

Injured in a wrong-way accident? Have you lost a loved one?

Call 866-930-6435 now to speak with an experience attorney for free

Wrong-way accidents leave lasting consequences—physically, emotionally, and financially. These aren’t minor fender-benders. They’re some of the most severe crashes on Florida’s roadways, often causing catastrophic injuries or the tragic loss of life.

At Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd, we’ve spent decades standing up for individuals and families affected by serious vehicle accidents, including wrong-way collisions across the Treasure Coast and South Florida. When you choose us, you’re getting a team that knows how to handle high-stakes cases—and win.

With offices in Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach and Okeechobee, we are available to meet in person or come to you. We offer free, no-obligation consultations.

Contact us today for a FREE case review and consultation by calling 866-930-6435