MANCHESTER — State Police confirm that a wrong way driver crashed head-on while driving on I-84 westbound near exit 60 in Manchester Monday morning.
The highway was shut down for several hours, but has since been reopened.
Police said at 3:37 a.m., troopers were called to I-84 eastbound near exit 60 in Manchester for a two car crash involving a wrong-way driver.
They said a Toyota Camry driven by Karen Steele, 29, of Rocky Hill, was traveling eastbound in the I-84 westbound left lane when it collided head-on with a Jeep Grand Cherokee, driven by Jason Klock, 55 of Vernon, traveling westbound in the left lane.
The crash lead to both cars catching fire. The drivers were both pulled out of their cars by motorists and troopers.
The drivers were taken to the hospital with serious to life-threatening injuries.
State police offered advice if you encounter a wrong way driver.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SEE A WRONG-WAY DRIVER
-Slow down and safely move to the right shoulder or as far 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 the headlights and turn on the hazard lights. It’s possible that you may be able to get the wrong-way driver’s attention and make them 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 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 correct lane for their direction of travel.
***And please 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.
