Two separate wrong‑way driving incidents occurred in Connecticut over the weekend, prompting swift action by state police and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CT DOT). Both events underscore the importance of vigilance on the state’s highways.
Southington incident
At about 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, Connecticut State Police received a call about a vehicle traveling west in the eastbound lanes near Exit 30 in Southington. Trooper Stefanie Gurski said the driver had hazards on and was clearly heading the wrong way. Video obtained by NBC Connecticut shows troopers flagging the vehicle down at 1:39 a.m. The car was later towed near Exit 28. The driver, a woman, required medical attention and was taken to a hospital, where she is receiving care. No charges were filed and no injuries were reported.
Torrington crash
The following day, a wrong‑way crash occurred on Route 8 in Torrington. Police identified the driver as Darwin Perez Toalongo, who was traveling against traffic and collided with another vehicle. While no injuries were reported, troopers said Perez Toalongo was under the influence of alcohol and was arrested at the scene.
CT DOT’s detection system
CT DOT has been expanding its wrong‑way detection system across the state. There are now 300 detection signs, which have been active 1,300 times since 2023. According to the agency, roughly 1,100 drivers have self‑corrected before entering the highway after seeing the warnings. Since 2015, data show at least 88 wrong‑way crashes in Connecticut.
Safety reminders
State police emphasized the need for drivers to stay alert, avoid distractions, and call 911 if they encounter an impaired or confused motorist. Trooper Gurski urged motorists to pull over safely and report any suspicious behavior to help keep Connecticut’s roadways safe.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.
