Courageous trooper uses vehicle to block wrong-way driver on Interstate

FLORIDA — When the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) received information that a driver was observed driving eastbound on a westbound entrance ramp to Interstate 4 in Orlando, a heroic trooper responded and used their vehicle to block the wrong-way driver from crashing into other motorists, the FHP said.

According to the FHP, the agency, the Orlando Police Department (OPD), and Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) each responded to help prevent the vehicle from endangering motorists by causing a wrong-way crash at a busy intersection or on the Interstate.

The vehicle entered Interstate 4 from County Road 423.

The FHP said that upon arriving on the scene, the responding trooper positioned their vehicle in the direct path of the vehicle–a 2022 Toyota Corolla–to physically block its ability to enter the way of normal traffic flow, the FHP said.

The Corolla then swerved into the travel lanes, and FHP blocked further travel, which the FHP said caused the Corolla to collide with the marked unit and crash into a palm tree on the shoulder of the entrance ramp.

The trooper and the Corolla’s driver 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.”

There have been 29 reported wrong-way fatal (within 30-day) crashes as of May 24, 2023, the FHP said. There were 45 in 2022.

The numbers demonstrate a steady increase in wrong-way crashes resulting in a fatality or serious bodily injury, the FHP said. According to the FHP, 99 wrong-way crashes in 2022 and 42 through May 24, 2023 caused injury or death.

Whether driving on the interstate, local, or state roads, all drivers must do the following if they approach a WRONG WAY sign 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 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.

Signage and pavement markers are consistent along Florida’s roadways to signal drivers that they are traveling in the wrong direction. Additional technology and education continue to be implemented and researched across Florida to help prevent tragic incidents.

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 visit this webpage published by FHP’s partner agency the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and watch this video to learn more about all the engineering and education available to help deter wrong-way driving on Florida roadways so everyone can get home safely.