FHP trooper prevents driver from entering I-4, traveling in the wrong direction; learn how to avoid a wrong way crash

Orlando (Orange County), Florida - During the night of July 24, 2023, a Florida Highway Patrol trooper positioned their patrol vehicle to prevent a 2022 Toyota Corolla from driving in the wrong direction at a busy intersection, an heroic act that likely prevented numerous motorists from potential injury or death from a wrong-way crash.

The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) received information that the Toyota Corolla was observed driving eastbound on the westbound entrance ramp to Interstate 4 from County Road 423. The FHP, along with the Orlando Police Department, and Orange County Sheriff's Office, responded to the area to attempt to prevent the vehicle from causing a wrong-way crash.

The FHP trooper positioned their patrol vehicle in the path of the Corolla, to physically block it from entering the traffic flow. However, the Toyota Corolla swerved into the travel lanes, and the FHP vehicle also moved to block any further travel, which resulted in the Corolla colliding with the FHP vehicle, then crashing into a palm tree on the shoulder of the Interstate 4 entrance ramp. The FHP trooper and the driver of the Toyota Corolla were transported to area hospitals with minor injuries.

"FHP's response to the report of wrong way driving and the actions of the trooper involved, without a doubt, saved lives," said FHP Colonel Gary Howze, II. "Everyone on the road is responsible for their actions, and their impact on others around them, whether intentional or not, a driver’s situational awareness will likely make the difference if someone is injured or killed on our roadways."

Wrong Way Crashes

Wrong-way fatal crashes are already at 29, as of May 24, 2023. In recent years, there has been a steady increase in wrong-way crashes resulting in fatalites or serious bodily injuries.

It is important that drivers make good driving decisions when getting behind the wheel, as wrong-way crashes most commonly involve factors the driver is able to control, such as driving while drowsy, driving while intoxicated, driving while distracted, and impaired mental health. To avoid potential risk of injury to themselves or other motorists, drivers should always practice caution and exercise good judgment while driving.

IN YOU FIND THAT YOU'RE A WRONG WAY DRIVER:

When driving on an interstate, local or state road, if a driver sees a WRONG WAY sign - he or she must do the following to help prevent a crash:
       Stop immediately.
       Pull over to the side of the road.
       Turn around - when it is safe to do so.

IF YOU ENCOUNTER A WRONG WAY DRIVER

If a driver encounters a wrong-way driver or sees an alert displayed on an electronic message board, they should take the following actions:
       Use caution.
       Reduce your speed.
       Pull over.
       Call *FHP (*347) or dial 911 to report the incident.

Roadway signs and pavement markers are consistent along Florida’s roadways, to signal drivers they are traveling in the wrong direction. Additional technology and education continues to be implemented and researched across Florida to further help prevent tragic incidents from occurring.

To learn more about what to do, if you find yourself driving in the wrong direction, or if you encounter a wrong-way driver, please watch this video to learn about the engineering and education available to help deter wrong-way driving on Florida roadways so everyone can get home safely: www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8BAMdHT6GE.