Connecticut Lawmakers Send Wrong-Way Driver Bill to Governor

HARTFORD (Conn.) (AP). Connecticut lawmakers still grieving for the loss of a colleague killed in a wrong way crash in January gave final approval to a measure that attempts to reduce the number of wrong-way accidents on state roads.

About six months after the death of Rep. Quentin William, the bill was unanimously approved by the state Senate. The bill now goes to Democratic Governor Ned Lamont. Ned Lamont's desk.

Connecticut has also seen an increase in wrong-way crashes. Christine Cohen, a Democratic Senator, stated that there were only two accidents in 2020, but four in 2021 and 13 in 2022 resulted in 23 deaths. There have been 27 crashes so far this year, resulting 15 deaths.

She said: 'Sadly we all know the pain and agony that family, friends, and loved ones feel when someone they love dies.' We lost a co-worker here in January. It has shaken this chamber, the House chamber and all of us.

Williams, a 39 year old Democrat from Middletown died in a wrong way crash on his way home from the Governor's Inaugural Ball, according to state police. The other driver was also killed.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is required to install systems that detect and alert drivers when they are driving the wrong way on 120 highway exit ramps in high-risk areas. These systems may include flashing light alerts that warn drivers if they are heading the wrong way, as well as alerting police.

The University of Connecticut, as part of the bill, will also test the use of directional vibration strips. A new pilot program will also be implemented at certain high-risk ramps, where messages about wrong-way drivers will be displayed on electronic highway message board. The bill also calls for an awareness campaign to educate the public about wrong-way drivers.