At 1:15 a.m. today, March 26, 2024, Troop L provided information to Troop A of a vehicle traveling the wrong way on Route 8 North near exit 36 in Waterbury. The vehicle was traveling the wrong way in the left lane of Route 8 North.
A Trooper working at a nearby highway construction project responded to the area, where the wrong way vehicle, identified as a Toyota Prius, proceeded to collide with the front end of the State Police cruiser, bringing both vehicles to a stop. The responding Trooper reported no injuries as a result of the collision.
During their interactions, the elderly male operator of the Toyota Prius reported no injuries, but appeared disoriented and was transported to an area hospital for a medical evaluation. The operator was issued an infraction for violating C.G.S.14-237, driving the wrong way on a divided highway.
Troopers remind residents that they may want to evaluate the driving capabilities of loved ones in poor physical health, showing signs of visual impairment, or demonstrating slowed reaction times. Residents are encouraged to, if possible, personally observe older family members behind the wheel to determine if they should maintain a driver’s license or if a medical evaluation of their driving capabilities is warranted.
A vehicle operating the wrong way on any road is a hazardous situation and an emergency. Please call 911 to report wrong way drivers as soon as it’s safe to do so.