Wrong-way driving may sound like an extremely rare event, but the figures show that reports are happening far more often than many of us realise.

National Highways recorded 947 reports involving an “oncoming vehicle” on England’s motorways in the 12 months to 11 May 2026 – an average of around 18 reports every week. National Highways has said these figures can include unconfirmed reports, but every report is treated seriously because of the potentially devastating consequences. (The Standard)

Separate research found that 31 drivers were charged in just 30 weeks with offences involving travelling in the wrong direction on motorways in England and Wales. (The Standard)

And recent events have shown just how quickly these situations can become catastrophic.

22 August 2026 – A66, England
Seven people were killed when a Volkswagen Passat travelling the wrong way along the A66 collided head-on with a marked Cleveland Police vehicle travelling in the correct direction. Two serving police officers, PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough, were among those who lost their lives. (Cleveland Police)

16 August 2026 – M9, Republic of Ireland
Five teenagers were killed after the vehicle they were travelling in drove southbound on the northbound carriageway of the M9 and collided head-on with another car. Three women and a seven-year-old child travelling in the other vehicle were seriously injured. (Garda)

9 August 2026 – M50, Republic of Ireland
Just one week earlier, another car carrying eight teenagers travelled the wrong way onto the M50 before colliding with another motorist. Nine people were taken to hospital. (The Irish Times)

These incidents happened within just 13 days of one another.

The circumstances surrounding each incident are different, and investigations must be allowed to establish exactly what happened. But they highlight the same terrifying problem:

Once a vehicle is travelling the wrong way on a high-speed road, innocent motorists ahead may have absolutely no idea they are driving towards an immediate danger.

Authorities may already know there is a wrong-way vehicle on the road. Cameras, police reports and road monitoring systems may already be tracking the incident.

The people who desperately need that information are the drivers heading towards it.

With modern connected vehicles, navigation systems and real-time traffic technology, we believe there should be a way to get a verified, urgent and audible warning directly to those motorists as quickly as possible.

Even a few extra seconds could give somebody time to slow down, increase the distance around their vehicle, stop overtaking or safely leave the affected road.

Those few seconds could save a life.

Please bring your voice to this cause. Protect your loved ones and community by signing this petition to urge the swift implementation of a national in-vehicle emergency alert.

Together, we can create safer roads for everyone. 

Sign now and stand in solidarity with those who have suffered losses and those who fear for the safety of their loved ones every day.