Elderly Wrong-Way Driver Safely Pulled Over on I-80

Authorities stopped westbound traffic and reunited the confused driver with her family.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 7:50pm

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An elderly woman described as "confused and disoriented" was driving eastbound in the westbound lanes of Interstate 80 near Fairfield, California on Monday evening. The California Highway Patrol and Fairfield police safely pulled the driver over after she narrowly missed several vehicles, preventing what could have been a serious crash.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the importance of senior driver education and awareness, as driving abilities can change over time. The quick action by authorities prevented a potentially tragic situation on the busy interstate.

The details

According to the California Highway Patrol's Solano-area office, the incident occurred around 5:49 p.m. on Monday. Officers said they stopped westbound traffic and were able to safely pull over the elderly driver, who was then reunited with her family. Her driving status will now be reviewed.

  • The incident occurred around 5:49 p.m. on Monday, March 11, 2026.

The players

California Highway Patrol

The state law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and safely pulled over the wrong-way driver.

Fairfield Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that assisted the California Highway Patrol in responding to the incident and stopping the wrong-way driver.

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What’s next

The woman's driving status will be reviewed by authorities following the incident.

The takeaway

This incident serves as an important reminder of the need for senior driver education and awareness, as driving abilities can change over time. The quick action by law enforcement prevented a potentially tragic situation on the busy interstate.