How to stop wrong-way crashes

The number of fatalities resulting from wrong-way driving in Connecticut has increased at an alarming rate in the past year. We must now act to prevent these senseless losses. The tragic loss of Connecticut state legislator Quentin Williams in a wrongway head-on collision will hopefully serve as an impetus to action. In 2022 alone, 23 people died in wrong-way collisions, skyrocketing from just four the two years prior.

What can be done to prevent these tragic accidents? I offer a four-point proposal. First, we need increased police stops and random sobriety checkpoints near bars and restaurants. Second, the state should require additional interlock devices. Third, we must increase penalties and civil liability for restaurant and bar owners. Finally, greater signage and alert systems must be utilized to prevent wrong-way drivers.

Police stops and random sobriety checks must be increased to limit intoxicated drivers. COVID resulted in significantly reduced police stops and increased alcohol consumption. The budget surplus should be allocated to municipal forces specifically to utilize these stops on weekends and holidays.

The state should also implement requirements of interlock devices to prevent repeat offenders. There are clear benefits for implementing a stronger program in Connecticut that is effective in reducing wrong-way crashes.

We must increase criminal and civil liability for bar owners, as well. An individual who is over twice the legal limit is almost certainly visibly intoxicated, and the law can be utilized more often to hold these bar owners liable for overserving patrons who cause injuries.

Finally, the state can install signage and alert systems to prevent wrongway drivers, which has been adopted in July 2022. This will hopefully yield productive results in preventing wrong-way driving.

Wrong-way driving must be addressed. The most recent tragedies should be a warning – we must enforce the current laws and implement necessary changes.