Delaware State Police
News Release

Vehicle Makes an Illegal U-Turn on the Interstate- Strikes Patrol Car

Released- Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Newark- On Monday, May 12^th, at approximately 3:26 p.m., a Trooper, operating a fully marked 2008 Ford Crown Victoria patrol car, was traveling I-95 northbound in the left lane, approaching the service area. A 2002 Ford Explorer (operated by Lugene Smith, 70, of Pleasantville, New Jersey) was traveling I-95 southbound, south of the service area. 

This area of the interstate is split by a wide grassy median.  There is one section within this median where a paved crossover sits providing emergency vehicles with a way to turn around.   This crossover is clearly marked with a “For Emergency Vehicles Only” sign.

The Ford Explorer turned into the crossover and then made a U-Turn, attempting to travel northbound.  The Explorer turned directly into the side of the patrol car.  Both vehicles pulled off onto the right shoulder. 

Mr. Smith was issued a traffic citation for Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device.