Driver Makes Two U-Turns on Interstate 5

MARYSVILLE, Wash. – A “confused” driver made two U-turns on Interstate 5, nearly causing two head-on crashes, then exited from the freeway before she could be stopped, state troopers said.

“I’m amazed, I’m stunned we didn’t have a fatal collision,” Washington State Patrol Trooper Kirk H. Rudeen said.

The driver could not be located immediately following the harrowing episode Wednesday morning near this town about 30 miles north of Seattle, but a license plate number provided by a witness led investigators to a 71-year-old woman who admitted responsibility, Rudeen said.

“She said she got confused,” he said.

Witnesses told troopers a tan Honda entered the northbound lanes of the state’s busiest freeway at 88th Street Northeast, then abruptly turned around and began driving south – against traffic – in the far left lane.

One driver managed to swerve out of the way, but another lost control of his car, hit a cable barrier and wound up on the shoulder of the road uninjured, Rudeen said.

About two-tenths of a mile farther, the Honda made another U-turn and headed north, exiting at 88th Street Northeast, where witnesses lost sight of it.

The driver, the registered owner of the car, was not arrested but the patrol will recommend that she face charges and be required to retake a driver’s license examination, Rudeen said.

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Information from: The Herald, http://www.heraldnet.com