The State Police responded to two separate calls for wrong way drivers last night and this morning, both on the Southern State Parkway in the area of exit 42, town of Islip, Suffolk County.
Around 9:30 PM Troopers and Suffolk County Police responded to the Southern State Parkway and located a vehicle westbound in the eastbound lanes near exit 42. Two Troopers with the assistance of a Suffolk County Highway Patrol Officer were able to stop the operator of the vehicle without incident. It was determined that the operator had been reported missing. He was turned over to Suffolk County Detectives and reunited with family.
Just after 5:00AM this morning Troopers responded to another call of a vehicle driving the wrong way in the same area westbound in the eastbound lanes of the Southern State Parkway entering the Sagtikos State Parkway northbound in the southbound ramp. The Troopers were able to stop the vehicle on the ramp without incident. The operator was from out of state and transported to a local hospital and family the family was contacted.
Thankfully with the quick actions of the Troopers and Suffolk County Police working together, potential tragedies were avoided and loved ones were reunited.