A Fremont woman was killed Tuesday when troopers say she drove the wrong way on U.S. 20 in Green Creek Township and slammed head-on into another vehicle. The 68-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene, and eastbound traffic on the highway was shut down for about two hours while crews cleared the wreckage. The other driver suffered serious but not life-threatening injuries and was taken to area hospitals.
Crash Details
Authorities identified the woman as 68-year-old Janet Hirt of Fremont. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Hirt was driving a 2014 Chevrolet Sonic west in the eastbound lanes of U.S. 20 when it collided head-on with a 2014 Dodge Dart.
The other driver, a 32-year-old Fremont man, was first taken to ProMedica Memorial Hospital in Fremont, then later transferred to St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo, according to Cleveland.com. Eastbound lanes near Township Road 214 were closed for roughly two hours while troopers documented the crash and cleared the scene.
Why Wrong-Way Collisions Are So Deadly
Wrong-way crashes on high-speed roads are relatively rare, but they are far more likely to be fatal because they often involve head-on impacts at very high closing speeds. A special investigation by the NTSB found that wrong-way driving is frequently linked to alcohol or medical impairment and results in hundreds of deaths nationwide each year.
The same report points to a mix of engineering changes, improved signage and closer monitoring as tools transportation agencies can use to cut down on wrong-way entries before they turn into disasters.
Investigation And Response
The Ohio State Highway Patrol said the crash remains under investigation, and troopers stayed on scene Tuesday to document the wreck. Officials have not released any information about possible impairment or whether any charges might be filed in connection with the collision.
Troopers are urging drivers to stay especially alert on rural stretches of U.S. 20, particularly at night and in areas where lighting is limited. Anyone with information about Tuesday's crash is asked to contact the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
