Norwalk Police Officer Safely Stops Wrong-Way Driver: Video

NORWALK, CT — Norwalk Police Officer Steven Anuszkiewicz is being recognized by the department "for his courageous and decisive actions" in recently pulling over a wrong-way driver on Route 7. See the video below.

"His quick thinking and commitment to protecting the public prevented what could have been a devastating tragedy," police officials wrote on Facebook. "Officer Anuszkiewicz’s actions serve as a powerful reminder of the dedication our officers bring to the job every day, often putting themselves in harm’s way to protect others."

Officials said that trying to safely stop wrong-way drivers remains an extremely dangerous encounter for police officers.

"These crashes often occur at highway speeds and frequently result in catastrophic or fatal head-on collisions," officials said. "A single impaired, distracted, or confused driver traveling in the wrong direction can put countless innocent lives at immediate risk."

The department offered the following tips if a wrong-way driver is spotted:

• Move to the right lane or shoulder if it is safe to do so.
• Call 911 immediately and provide the driver’s location and direction of travel.
• Never attempt to stop or confront the driver yourself.