CHP seeing an increase in wrong-way crashes

CHP seeing an increase in wrong-way collisions

The California Highway Patrol is seeing a sharp rise in wrong-way collisions. Four people died in two crashes this year alone and in one case, a CHP officer put his own life on the line to stop a wrong-way driver.

LOS ANGELES - In recent weeks, a series of wrong-way crashes in Southern California has exposed an alarming trend up and down the state, often with disastrous conclusions.

Motorists driving the wrong way on freeways and highways at life-threatening speeds.

We spoke to a mom from Lompoc, California who considers herself lucky to be alive Friday.

Carmen Earle was returning from her job as a coach on March 4 when saw headlights coming right at her, the vehicle barreling toward her at 65 mph. The mom of two took a quick evasive action and swerved to miss the vehicle on Highway 135 between Santa Maria and Lompoc. Seven minutes later, that same wrong-way driver hit another vehicle, critically injuring two and killing himself.

Earle was deeply aware how close she came to colliding with the wrong-way driver.

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