Lamont In Southington To Declare War On Wrong-Way Crashes

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont and several other state officials Friday were in Southington to officially declare war on wrong-way driving.

It is a recent scourge that has claimed lives and caused several injuries in recent months, with wrong-way crashes in Connecticut actually tripling in 2022, according to state officials.

The January death of state Rep. Quentin "Q" Williams, D-Middletown, in a wrong-way crash on Route 9 in Cromwell seemingly was the last straw for state officials.

Williams' vehicle was hit by a Manchester woman — also fatally injured — who was driving the wrong way. Williams had just attended Lamont's inaugural ball and was sworn into a new term in office that day.

Speaking near an offramp at Interstate 84 in Southington late Friday morning, Lamont hosted a news conference unveiling a new campaign against wrong-way drivers called "One Wrong Move."

The Southington site was chosen because it is where the state Department of Transportation recently installed high-tech features to warn motorists they're entering the wrong way onto the interstate.

In addition to LED flashing signs next to the ramps, the state also installed reflectors in the pavement that glow red to drivers going the wrong way.

In 2022, state officials said, 13 wrong-way crashes resulted in 23 people being killed in Connecticut. In 2021 there were four wrong-way crashes and just two in 2020.

Lamont said these types of accidents are more likely to be fatal, as the physics involved don't leave a lot of room for survivability.

“Wrong-way driving crashes are many times more likely to be fatal than other types of car accidents,” Lamont said. “It’s shocking how quickly the number of wrong-way driving incidents has been accelerating over these last couple of years.

"Reversing this trend requires a comprehensive approach that not only involves infrastructure upgrades using advanced technology – which we are doing – but also requires a heightened awareness by drivers every single time they are entering a highway.

"Drivers should look, and then look again to ensure they are going in the correct direction every time they drive.”

State Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto pointed to the staggering statistics of wrong-way wrecks.

“Wrong way driving deaths in Connecticut are up 500 percent and we are doing everything we can to reverse these trends,” Eucalitto said.

“More than 80 percent of wrong way drivers are found to be impaired. It is so important people think twice before they get behind the wheel. Driving drunk is a dangerous decision that can hurt and kill people. We need people to drive sober because one wrong move can be deadly.”

The “One Wrong Move” campaign is being fundedq with cash the state received from the Federal Highway Administration.

It is a public awareness campaign that promises to have a strong presence in state media, namely television, radio, digital media and billboards.

In addition, the state released a Youtube video from the DOT's channel about the campaign.

Southington is considered one of the more dangerous towns in Connecticut when it comes to wrong-way drivers.

In fact, the state said Friday that LED lights and reflectors have been installed at several ramps on and off I-84, including exits 28, 29 and 32 in both directions.

Last October, the state had a similar press event in Southington about the issue to announce the installation of that technology.

But it might not have been enough as, on Feb. 11, a Bristol woman and Hartford man were rushed to the hospital when the woman slammed into the man after going the wrong way on I-84 in Southington.

The problem of wrong-way driving has been on the minds of several state and national leaders in Connecticut, with many weighing in Friday.

“One wrong move is all it takes to cause serious, sometimes fatal injury on the roads. We are committing much needed federal funding to reverse the tragic trend of wrong-way crashes in Connecticut," U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said.

"Awareness is one part of the solution, but roadway improvements, additional signage, and improved lighting are also critical to making our roads safer for all drivers.

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., agreed.

“The recent spike in wrong-way car crashes in our state is unacceptable and I’m glad to see Governor Lamont take proactive steps like this public awareness campaign to make our roads safer," Murphy said.

For the full announcement of the " One Wrong Move" campaign, click on this link.

From Feb. 15: 'Reflectors Being Installed In Southington To Combat Wrong-Way Drivers'

From Jan. 5: 'Middletown State Rep. Williams Killed In Wrong-Way Route 9 Crash'