Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection
Connecticut State Police
Public Information Office
Dr. Dora B. Schriro - Commissioner
Colonel George Battle - Deputy Commissioner - Division of State Police
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 3, 2018
Troopers Offer Wrong-Way Driver Tips following I-84 Wrong-Way Crash
Manchester, CT (July 3, 2018): Connecticut State Troopers off wrong-way driver safety tips following I-84 wrong-way serious injury crash.
On July 2, 2018 at approximately 3:37 a.m., troopers from Troop H-Hartford responded to I-84 eastbound near exit 62 in Manchester for a two car crash involving a wrong-way driver.
A Toyota Camry was traveling eastbound in the I-84 westbound left lane when it collided head-on with a Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling westbound in the left lane.
After the crash, both cars caught fire and the operators were pulled from their cars to safety by other motorists and troopers.
Both operators, and sole occupants, where transported to the hospital with serious to life-threatening injuries.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SEE A WRONG-WAY DRIVER
-Slow down and safely move to the right shoulder or as far right as possible.
-If it can be avoided, do not slam on the brakes, especially if there is a vehicle directly behind you and avoid swerving into other lanes or off of the road.
-Honk the horn, flash the headlights and turn on the hazard lights. It's possible that you may be able to get the wrong-way driver’s attention and make them aware that they are traveling in the wrong direction.
-As soon as it is safe to do so call 911 and report the wrong-way driver. Be sure to give your location including direction of travel and closest exit. And if you are able to, provide a description of the vehicle.
-NEVER turn around and follow a wrong-way driver!
-It's good practice when driving on the highway at night, especially after midnight, to travel in the right lane. Wrong-way drivers often travel in the left lane thinking they are in the correct lane for their direction of travel.
***And please remember, not all wrong-way drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Some wrong-way drivers may be experiencing a medical emergency, while others may be disoriented or confused by signage.
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