"No good deed goes unnoticed"

On February 10, 2019, at 9:51pm, Abingdon Police were dispatched in reference to a wrong way driver traveling south in the northbound lanes of Porterfield Highway (Rt. 19).  The complainant, Ms. Jessica Surber, was traveling south in the southbound lanes, when she observed a vehicle traveling the wrong direction and immediately contacted dispatch.  Ms. Surber stayed parallel with the other vehicle, driving in the correct lane, flashing her headlights and sounding her horn in attempt to alert the driver and oncoming motorists of the hazard. Due in part to her quick thinking and actions, Ms. Surber was able to get the vehicle to stop at the intersection of Porterfield Highway and Russell Road. Once the police arrived, they discovered that the elderly driver of the vehicle became confused while driving and turned on to the wrong side of the divided highway.  Ms. Surber remained on scene and offered additional assistance to the elderly driver, including offering to drive her home.

This incident highlights an issue that becomes more prevalent as our motoring population ages. It also is an excellent demonstration of what to do if you should observe a vehicle traveling the wrong way on a divided highway.  Clearly, Ms. Surber’s actions in alerting other motorist prevented a bad situation from getting much worse.  We greatly appreciate the quick thinking of Ms. Surber and thank her for doing this good deed!