Video of I-17 crash in Phoenix shows dangers of wrong-way drivers

PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Transportation released video Friday of a wrong-way crash that shut down Interstate 17 for hours earlier this week.

ADOT and the Arizona Department of Public Safety are using pilot technology on I-17 designed to help authorities respond as quickly as possible when a vehicle enters the freeway going the wrong way.

The video shows how fast an accident can occur in these cases.

A Suzuki hatchback entered the southbound lanes near McDowell Road while heading north around 7:40 p.m. Wednesday.

Although oncoming traffic attempted to avoid the car, it collided with a truck within seconds.

The wrong-way driver, a 45-year-old man, was reported to have sustained serious injuries. The truck’s two occupants were transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

I-17 remained closed until after midnight while the scene was being investigated.

Authorities say the video shows how important it is for motorists to always be aware and expect the unexpected.

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