Drunk driver crashes into NJ state trooper while traveling wrong way on I-80.
A serious traffic incident occurred early Tuesday morning when a Pennsylvania man drove against the flow of traffic on Interstate 80 and collided with a New Jersey State Trooper’s vehicle. The driver, identified as 67-year-old Robert Felegi of Middleport, Pennsylvania, was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes near Knowlton Township, New Jersey, at approximately 12:23 a.m., according to state police reports.
Despite the trooper activating emergency lights and sirens to signal a hazard, Felegi failed to heed these warnings and struck the marked police vehicle head-on. Fortunately, the trooper sustained only minor injuries, while Felegi emerged from the incident unscathed. Following the collision, authorities detained Felegi, who has since been charged with assault by automobile and driving under the influence.
The accident transpired in close proximity to mile marker 1.4, just east of the Pennsylvania state line. It remains uncertain whether Felegi was en route home at the time of the accident; should that be the case, he would have still been more than 90 minutes away from his destination.
Wrong-way driving incidents on Interstate 80 are not uncommon. In a notable case last October, a 29-year-old driver named Steven Barrera-Fiallos tragically lost his life when he collided with two other vehicles while driving eastbound in the westbound lanes. Thankfully, the occupants of those vehicles survived the harrowing incident, highlighting the potential dangers associated with wrong-way driving.
This recent event underscores ongoing concerns regarding impaired and reckless driving, particularly in areas where strict enforcement measures are in place. State police continue to emphasize the importance of road safety, urging all drivers to remain vigilant and adhere to traffic regulations. The consequences of impaired driving not only threaten the lives of those behind the wheel but also jeopardize the safety of other road users.
As investigators work to piece together further details of the incident, the community is once again reminded of the critical importance of responsible driving and the potential repercussions of neglecting such responsibilities. The matter remains under investigation, and further updates from law enforcement agencies are anticipated.
