UHP says to watch out for wrong-way drivers this holiday season
Dec 27, 2024, 12:00 PM
A wrong way driver was caught on dash camera footage moments before crashing on I-15 in Lehi. (Courtesy Reese Brinck)
(Courtesy Reese Brinck)
SALT LAKE CITY — State troopers say Utah has had two wrong-way crashes on highways in just the last 10 days. So, what’s a driver to do?
You’re probably not expecting a wrong-way driver on the highway. However, there are tips all drivers should keep in mind while behind the wheel. This is especially important at this time of year when many gatherings may include alcohol.
“Most of these wrong-way driving situations that we’ve encountered that have ended up in crashes, the good majority of those have been impaired drivers,” said Lt. Cameron Roden with Utah Highway Patrol.
Roden said the UHP would like people to plan ahead in case a wrong-way driver does head towards them.
“So, as we approach a holiday where people are going to be out celebrating… alcohol could be involved in those situations,” Roden said. “We really just want people to plan ahead. If you decide to drink, don’t drive.”
What to know when encountering a wrong-way driver
Roden also said wrong way drivers tend to travel in the HOV lanes or the left side of the freeway. If there’s a wrong-way driver warning ahead, move over to the right lanes. That way you may be less likely to directly encounter the wrong-way driver.
Wrong-way drivers are especially dangerous because at highway speeds the gap between you and them closes rapidly.
“The best thing for people to do is to be scanning ahead,” Roden said. “Make sure you’re not so preoccupied with things going on inside of the vehicle that you can’t be scanning well down the road looking for potential hazards.”
He said the more warning time drivers have when there’s a wrong way driver, the better their chances are of avoiding a crash.
Beyond advising drivers to remain vigilant, UHP is using technology to help warn drivers danger may be ahead.
“We started to incorporate that wrong-way driving technology that UDOT has implemented so that we can give people notice,” Roden said. “We also try to get troopers there as quickly as possible to try to help get this vehicle stopped and minimize the risk to people.”
If you encounter a wrong way driver going past you, and can safely call 911, authorities ask that you share the driver’s location and relay any important information.
Michele Rowe is a traffic reporter for KSL NewsRadio.
