Wrong-Way Driver on SR 543 Blames Self-Driving Technology

BLAINE, Wash. — A Blaine police officer stopped a wrong-way driver on State Route 543 before a crash could occur Saturday night.

This Crash Report is sponsored by CrashLaw.NET, a legal resource for crash victims in Whatcom County.

According to the Blaine Police Department, an officer spotted a vehicle traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of SR 543 and quickly conducted a traffic stop.

Police said the driver was not impaired. Instead, the driver told officers that the vehicle’s self-driving technology caused the incident.

Officer Spots Wrong-Way Driver

The officer happened to be nearby when the vehicle entered the wrong lanes of travel.

Luckily, an officer was in the area and saw the vehicle going the wrong way before an accident could occur.

— Blaine Police Department

Police did not identify the vehicle or release the driver’s name. The department also did not say whether officers issued a citation.

Wrong-way crashes often result in severe injuries because they frequently involve head-on impacts at highway speeds.

NHTSA Says Drivers Remain Responsible

Blaine Police used the incident to remind motorists that automated driving features do not replace the driver.

All vehicles equipped with such technology can easily be stopped by simply applying the brakes. The driver/operator of the car is still responsible for obeying all traffic safety laws.

— Blaine Police Department

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says drivers must continue to monitor and operate vehicles equipped with automated driving features. The agency notes that most systems currently available to consumers still require active driver supervision.

NHTSA classifies most consumer driver-assistance technologies as Level 2 automation. Under that classification, drivers must stay engaged and remain ready to take control of the vehicle at any time.

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