Oklahoma – An Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper arrested a driver for driving under the influence early Sunday morning after the individual was observed traveling the wrong way on Interstate 35 in Oklahoma County.
According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Trooper Preston Cox was patrolling the area when he saw a vehicle traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of I-35.
Authorities said the driver then entered the westbound Turner Turnpike while still traveling in the wrong direction, forcing multiple vehicles, including a semi-truck, to swerve to avoid a potential collision.
Trooper Cox quickly acted by cutting across the grass to position his patrol vehicle in order to stop the driver. Officials said the driver continued traveling along the turnpike before eventually pulling over after noticing the trooper.
The driver was taken into custody and arrested for driving under the influence. According to the highway patrol, the driver had a blood alcohol content of 0.21, which is more than twice the legal limit.
Officials said the trooper’s quick actions likely prevented a serious crash or possible loss of life.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reminded motorists that driving under the influence is dangerous and urged drivers to plan ahead and use alternative transportation options, such as rideshare services, to get home safely.
Trooper stops wrong-way driver on Interstate 35 in Oklahoma County
