Wrong-way driver runs into CHP on Highway 101, arrested for DUI

(KRON) — A California Highway Patrol Officer was nearly struck head-on by a wrong-way driver on Highway 101 in South South San Francisco last week.

The CHP officer was driving southbound on Highway 101 near an offramp in South San Francisco when the headlights of a Hyundai SUV traveling in the opposite direction appeared. The CHP officer took quick action and potentially prevented a serious accident, the CHP said.

“Officer Tucker, who was traveling in the [number three] lane, approaching the exit, observed the wrong-way vehicle and quickly took action,” the CHP said. “[The officer] safely [moved] his patrol vehicle to the right, [activated] his emergency lights and siren while pulling directly in front of the Hyundai, impeding its forward progress as the Hyundai stopped right at the mouth of the off-ramp.”

The officer directed the SUV back up the offramp and pulled the driver over on city streets. After performing a sobriety test, the driver was arrested for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.

“[The] driver displayed objective symptoms of impairment,” the CHP said. “The driver was suspected of being more than double the .08% legal limit, upon conclusion of the investigation.”

The driver was booked into the San Mateo County Jail for a misdemeanor DUI charge.

“Things could have been much worse for him and others had it not been for Officer Tucker’s timing, location, and quick actions in the moment,” the CHP said. “The driver stated he was coming from a specific location in San Francisco and on his way to his home, also located in San Francisco. He was unaware that he was no longer in San Francisco when he encountered Officer Tucker.”

The CHP said that the traffic stop is “a solemn reminder to not take the chance of driving while impaired by alcoholic beverages, drugs, or any other substance that affects your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.”