Crime

Dashcam Captures Ohio Wrong-Way Driver Seconds Before She Kills 3 Sorority Sisters

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A wrong-way interstate driver slammed into a car full of sorority sisters on spring break about one minute after an Ohio trooper received a report about the errant driver, according to dashboard camera video released Wednesday by the State Highway Patrol.

The footage shows the wrong-way driver seconds before the crash that killed the driver and three of the Bowling Green University students on Interstate 75 south of Toledo. The early morning crash on Friday also left two other students in critical condition.

The five Alpha Xi Delta members were in the car as they caravanned with 11 other sisters in separate cars to the Detroit airport for a trip to the Dominican Republic.

Just minutes after the crash, the video records the voice of an unidentified Alpha Xi Delta member, saying: “Sir, what can we do to help? They were with us. Those are our sisters. We were all on spring break.”

“I want you to go, just go stay by the car,” the trooper says. “Stay with the car, please. Go stay up there with the car.”

The video shows the trooper shifting lanes to avoid the car one minute after pulling into northbound traffic to find it.

The crash happens about 10 seconds later, just after the trooper turns around. He makes it to the scene 25 seconds later.

He’s heard saying, “Bowling Green, give me a squad.”

As he begins to investigate, trucks are slowly stopping and pulling around.

Dashcam Video of Ohio Wrong Way Driver | Killed Three Alpha Xi Delta Sorority Sisters

In this March 2, 2012 photo provided by the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the wreckage of vehicles involved in a fatal accident Friday, March 2, 2012 lies strewn in Bowling Green, Ohio. A driver going the wrong way on a highway crashed head-on into a car carrying five sorority sisters, killing four people and leaving two others injured. The sorority sisters' vehicle is seen on left. (AP Photo/Ohio State Highway Patrol)

Lt. Anne Ralston of the Patrol said the trooper was limited by the short amount of time between the call and the crash.

“It didn’t really afford us the opportunity to use any other tactics,” she said. “It really limited what he was able to do.”

She said a goal in such instance is to first locate the threat then try to mitigate it. A number of factors are considered including time of day, amount of traffic, the road conditions, if any other officers are able to help, how easily officers will be able to get the driver to stop and the driver’s condition – such as any medical issue or impairment.

“These types of calls of one-way drivers, especially on the interstate, are very dangerous, obviously, and very unpredictable and there’s really no set rules on how to handle that, just because every incident is so different,” she said.

Killed in the crash were Sarah Hammond, 21, a junior from Yellow Springs, Rebekah Blakkolb, 20, a junior from Aurora and sophomore Christina Goyett, 19, from Bay City, Mich. The wrong-way driver, Winifred Lein, 69, of Perrysburg, was traveling alone and was pronounced dead at the scene.

—

Associated Press Writer JoAnne Viviano contributed to this report.

 

Comments (78)

1 2
  • killertofu
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 2:24pm

    I like how some of you claim to want the government out of your business etc etc but as soon as something tragic happens, your FIRST response is the cry for government regulation on driving for seniors.

    I understand the government has certain roles and responsibilities as established by our constitution, but I am hesitant to do anything else to give them even more power to take away rights from the citizenry.

    And for those of you saying mandatory testing at 50….really? 50? You must have treated your mind and body like absolute crap if you’re losing your faculties at 50.

    Report Post » killertofu  
    • Catherine A.
      Posted on March 9, 2012 at 12:38am

      A person who thinks people need driver re-testing at 50 is probably 20, and among the highest-risk drivers of any category.

      Report Post » Catherine A.  
    • killertofu
      Posted on March 28, 2012 at 1:42pm

      Shoot, I‘m 26 and I think it’s ludicrous!!

      Report Post » killertofu  
  • SandyfromChesterfield
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 2:04pm

    I think Winifred was a woman.

    Report Post »  
  • glutamine.sr
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 2:00pm

    THIS IS NOT the first time this has happened on that stretch of I-75.. a drunk driver took an entire family out a few years back driving his pickup the wrong way down that highway. apparently there is some problem with the on ramp that could cause a drunk or demented old hag to take the wrong ramp. Of course the old lady was out of her mind and was not fit for driving.. so sad. My prayers go out to the families of this terrible tragedy.

    Report Post »  
    • BlenGeck
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 4:44pm

      Wonder if she was on a cell phone too.

      Report Post » BlenGeck  
    • Catherine A.
      Posted on March 9, 2012 at 12:47am

      Demented old hag? Out of her mind? You guys should not be voting or serving on juries, because you can’t even take one step without jumping to conclusions.

      If the wrong-way driver had been a 30-year old guy, would you have assumed he was demented or out of his mind? Maybe there is a problem with the interstate design. Maybe she was from out of town and the darkness, unfamiliarity, and poor design made her confused. Maybe a sign was down, or turned the wrong way. Or maybe there were too many signs, and that caused the confusion. There are many possible reasons for this accident, and we may never know the answer. Don‘t blame someone when you don’t know all the facts.

      Report Post » Catherine A.  
  • Wartface
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 1:54pm

    May they rest in peace… And, I hope their family’s find a way to deal with this horrific loss.

    Report Post »  
  • Jokari
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 1:52pm

    When seconds count, minutes away.

    Report Post »  
  • Cincybearcatfan
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 1:41pm

    I’ve said for YEARS that at 60 when you renew your license you should have to do a driving test and a REAL vision test from a qualified doctor to continue driving. Your renewal should be every 2 years through 70. At 70 you should have to have a complete physical signed off by a doctor and vision test signed off by a optometrist/ophthalmologist and YEARLY renewal of driving privileges thorough death. This, however will NEVER happen due to AARP and other lobbyists.

    As to the gentleman above that said he is a truck driver and his license costs 3x’s the amount of ours (non-commercial drivers) I think the fee should be dramatically dropped or even waived if you pass. This is not about making money, it’s about saving lives.

    Report Post »  
    • Madison2012
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 2:02pm

      It would seem this woman must have been intoxicated as to not realize she was going the wrong way. No amount health screening will prevent bad behavior.

      Report Post » Madison2012  
    • flyoverbob
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 2:03pm

      I would like to see stats on wrong way drivers and age.By your writing I think you might be surprised.

      Elderley drivers should surely be tested every couple years,and a statement from their doctor would be wise.But I think all ages should have a statement from their doctor as to what meds they are on and are they mentaly competent to drive.
      Do not give this authority to some bureaucrat to decide who gets to drive.

      Report Post »  
    • momrules
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 2:42pm

      I’m over 60 and I can drive and work most kids under. Is 60 a magic number when faculties start to go? Do you really want more TSA like agents deciding when you are too old to drive?

      By the way has anyone seen an autopsy report? Was the wrong way driver drunk? Or stoned? Or on drugs?
      Before asking for MORE laws that limit our freedom let”s find out.

      Report Post »  
  • BSdetector
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 1:32pm

    He’s a lib troll.
    Don’t feed the trolls.

    Report Post » BSdetector  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 5:57pm

      FRANKNORTH2010?

      It is not even a political topic? Some one had to troll?

      Report Post »  
  • Re-Founding Sons
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 1:27pm

    @FRANKNORTH2010
    What is wrong with you? Your comment is disgusting and uncalled for, how can you say such a horrible thing about 4 young people who died?
    You make me sick!

    Report Post » Re-Founding Sons  
  • MonkeyBeagle
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 1:23pm

    So sick that you would say that in public. Those girls had families, of which may be reading this. I feel sorry for you., that you are that void of empathy.

    Report Post »  
  • Mil-Dot
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 1:20pm

    Hey Cesium
    It is not the conservatives that take away freedom. It is the commie progs that do that.

    Report Post »  
  • liberty_for_all
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 1:10pm

    what kind of comment is that?

    Report Post »  
  • right-wing-waco
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 12:33pm

    @Cesium
    I can agree with the way you put it on testing after age 70. Very well stated, Thanks.

    Report Post »  
  • right-wing-waco
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 12:28pm

    I am now 64 and have been driving since I was 15. I have been driving semi’s for 23 years and I am required by the DOT to get a physical each year. I can agree that some elderly people should not be driving but that also goes for a lot of middle aged and younger people too. Although age is a factor, your driving record should be a bigger factor. Those people that have accidents & tickets showing disregard for the rules and those that have records of driving under the influence of alcohol & drugs should go first.

    At 64, I still drive that semi. My license cost about 3 to 4 times yours does and the cost of an annual test would be ridiculous. I do understand that at some point peoples brain starts to go & I agree at some point they should not drive, but let’s test those that need testing.

    Report Post »  
  • Madmilo
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 12:13pm

    Sure let the government step in and decide who can and who can not drive. How about personal responsibility. How about the family of elderly people stepping in and taking their keys from them.
    My father is 74 and is still very much alert and able to drive. When he gets to the point where he even looks like he might be unsafe I will step in. Your ideas are why the government has grown so big. Let someone else be responsible. Sheesh. My prayers out to the family of the victims.

    Report Post » Madmilo  
  • Cesium
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 12:05pm

    I agree about retesting. after 70 you should routinely be retested every 5 years:, hand/eye coordination , balance, vision, checked. Do you know why this won’t happen? because uber conservatives would say this is taking away our freedom and just more regulation. Then 20 year old girls die

    Report Post »  
  • SON OF JEFFERSON
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 11:48am

    I had to threaten to call the police on my grandfather when I was 15 because no one else would confront him even though he had a stroke and was nearly blind

    Report Post »  
  • lantern53
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:40am

    This is why cops are often cranky.

    Report Post »  
    • USPATRIOT101
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 10:01am

      I agree. The sound of crying turned my stomach. Imagine seeing this kind of thing on a somewhat regular basis, and then hearing the ows idiots chanting fu@# the police.

      Report Post » USPATRIOT101  
    • Mil-Dot
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 1:30pm

      So what? They took the job willingly. Nobody forced them to take it. People generally appreciate what they do. But when they become nothing more than body guards for the criminal politicians or lie in wait for working Joe and Jane to come by so they can dole out $200 traffic tickets they get slammed. Oh, add to that when 10-20 of them blow some fool away and then backslap each other like they are real brave. Make no mistake, they despise the average citizen.

      Report Post »  
    • chips1
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 1:55pm

      I have stopped wrong way drivers that were confused. A request for re-examination was filled out, however the DMV brushes it aside. In my opinion, they need the money more than protecting other drivers. Driving is a privilege is not the way the government works.

      Report Post »  
  • Machtyn
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:39am

    It didn’t look like the girls had a way out. It appears they could either get run down by the semi on their right or hit the median on their left. Obviously, the median was the correct choice. Now, look at where the damage of their vehicle was taken. They did attempt to dive into the media, there was just no time to do it.

    We may never know why this lady was driving the wrong way, if it wasn’t because of drug abuse. So sad for the college girls and their families.

    Report Post »  
  • MikeOH4
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:29am

    Just to set the record straight, this was a 69 year old female driver, not a male as the headline reads.

    http://www.toledoblade.com/Police-Fire/2012/03/08/OHP-dash-cam-video-of-I-75-wrong-way-crash.html

    Report Post »  
    • Mil-Dot
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 1:23pm

      But boy they WANTED it to be a guy didn’t they. They were hoping so hard that it was.

      Report Post »  
  • tbird635
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:22am

    Not only was “he” a “she”, nowhere in any story did it say anything about being drunk. As a matter of fact, she didn’t drink.
    Just a disoriented driver getting on in years.

    http://www.toledoblade.com/local/2012/03/06/Brother-thinks-wrong-way-driver-became-disoriented-1.html

    Report Post »  
    • Charles
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 6:01pm

      The state allows this carnage. I have personally tried to get old disoriented drivers cited by the police and they would touch it. Its not their fault. The problem is the courts. They won’t do anything because old geezers vote to keep their “right” to kill and maim when too demented to drive. The only way you can stop them is to get a doctor to report them as incapacitated to the insurance company and then they yank coverage and the license goes away. Oops. . HIPAA now stops doctors from being able to do that. Beware the frog heads.

      Report Post »  
  • THX-1138
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:18am

    Driving is not a right.

    I’ve told my son on more than one occasion, “If I ever drive that stupid you take my keys and get my licence revoked before I kill somebody.”

    I was dead serious.

    Report Post » THX-1138  
    • Machtyn
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:36am

      Good for you!

      Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:40am

      Good for you .. my father .. I tried to get his license taken away .. but the Doctors were no help … and when they asked if he was driving he would smartly tell them .. I have a license … he had Parkinson’s and Macular Degeneration .. it took a long time before he was finally stopped from driving — thankfully he never killed anyone .. he did stay of the highways but that doesn’t mean it could not have happened.

      Prayers to the families .. I have a friend right now at Detroit Metro awaiting a flight to Florida to visit me.

      Report Post »  
  • RightUnite
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 9:17am

    Prayers to the families who lost a family member….

    Report Post »  
  • kcares
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 8:55am

    I have heard of 3 head on crashes here in the Nashville area in the last few weeks.

    Report Post » kcares  
  • aceciti
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 8:54am

    Amazing how often this happens, though I can tell you, there but for the Grace of God go I. It should be noted by the editor of this piece, the drunk driver was a woman and it is stated in the headline that “HE KILLS 3 SORORITY SISTERS”. The only reason I mention the importance of this, is that I think it is vital to note that, no gender or race or age, hold the market on this type of incident and for that matter, the problems with drunk driving and alcoholism, on the whole.

    Report Post »  
  • Grasshopper42
    Posted on March 8, 2012 at 8:40am

    So sad.

    Report Post » Grasshopper42  
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