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The unidentified woman was arrested by troopers around 4:23 a.m. Sunday after responding to the area of I-84 and I-691 for a report of a vehicle traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of I-691, according to Connecticut State Troopers.
When spotted by troopers, the woman continued driving the wrong way on I-691, and eventually entered I-84 traveling westbound in the eastbound left lane before being stopped, troopers said.
After speaking with the woman, troopers determined that she was under the influence of alcohol. The operator failed a series of field sobriety test and was taken into custody.
She was charged with operating under the influence and driving the wrong way. She was released after posting $1000.00 bond and is scheduled to appear at Meriden Superior Court on Feb. 13.
Troopers offer the following tips for motorists who see a wrong-way driver:
- Slow down and safely move to the right shoulder or as far to the 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 your vehicle's headlights and turn on the hazard lights. It's possible that you may be able to make the wrong-way driver 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 the 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 when driving on the highway at night, especially after midnight, to travel in the right lane. Wrong-way drivers often travel in the left lane thinking they are in the right lane for their direction of travel.
- 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.
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