Wrong-way driving

Wrong-way driving is the act of driving a motor vehicle against the direction of traffic. It can occur on either one- or two-way roads (in the latter case, arising from driving on the wrong side of the road), as well as in parking lots and parking garages, and may be due to driver inattention or impairment, or because of insufficient or confusing road markings or signage, or a driver from a right-hand traffic country being unaccustomed to driving in a left-hand traffic country, and vice versa. People intentionally drive in the wrong direction because they missed an exit, for thrill-seeking, as a suicide attempt, or as a shortcut.

On a divided highway, wrong-way driving is a serious problem because of the high speeds usually involved. In the United States, about 350 people are killed each year in accidents caused by drivers headed in the wrong direction on the highway. Most drivers who enter a divided highway or ramp in the wrong direction correct themselves by turning around.

One of the aims of highway engineering is to reduce wrong-way driving.

Depending on the jurisdiction, wrong-way driving is a punishable offense. In New Zealand, wrong-way driving, is counted as careless driving and can result in up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a fine up to NZ$10,000.