Wrong Way Driving in CT: What You Can Do to Help

In 2022, Connecticut had 23 wrong-way fatalities. A record-high number in the state.

This is a reminder of what you can 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 to travel in the right lane when driving on the highway at night, especially after midnight. 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

Additional information can be found here under Safety Engineering or contact Joseph Ouellette at (860) 594-2721, Trafficsafety.dot@ct.gov

The Connecticut 4 E's approach for wrong-way driving.

In order to reduce the number of wrong-way driving crashes on limited access highways in Connecticut, an approach utilizing the 4 E’s: Engineering, Enforcement, Education, and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) is necessary. Wrongway driving crashes typically occur at nighttime and are most often caused by impaired drivers and older drivers. It is important for Engineering to provide safe entrance and exit ramps, Enforcement to provide deterrence for impaired drivers, Education to help new and older drivers navigate entrance ramps, and for EMS to have efficient response plans to wrong-way crashes.