Elderly Driver Reported Going Wrong Way on Route 6 in Fairhaven

Some tense moments unfolded Tuesday afternoon on Route 6 in Fairhaven when the driver of a silver Honda SUV was seen traveling on the wrong side of the road by multiple parties. The incident occurred around 2 p.m. in the area near Stop & Shop, Walgreen's and Flour Girls.

Fairhaven Police scanner transmissions indicated that multiple 911 callers reported an elderly man driving slowly in the wrong lane. Witnesses said the vehicle was heading eastbound in the westbound lane, according to the Fairhaven Police dispatcher.

How Police Respond to Wrong Way Drivers

Fairhaven Police cruisers were immediately dispatched to locate and intercept the wrong-way driver before anyone was hurt.

"I believe it was an elderly party; they were driving very slowly according to the reporting party," said the dispatcher. "She (the observing driver) was shaken up, so she went the other way."

Get our free mobile app

No Injuries Reported in Route 6

It’s unclear whether the elderly man experienced a medical episode or was simply disoriented. Fairhaven Police confirmed the department's dispatcher received calls about the wrong-way driver in the Stop & Shop area. A Fairhaven Police spokesperson said officers searched the area, but the vehicle was never located.

Fortunately, no crash occurred and there were no injuries to report, according to Fairhaven Police.

Fairhaven Road Construction to Blame?

There has been ongoing road construction in the area over the past several months, causing temporary traffic confusion. However, paving crews had wrapped up their work in the affected zone just days before the incident.