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AUSTIN, Travis County, Texas, Oct. 5, 2026 — A Travis County deputy was hurt early on Saturday morning, October 3, when a wrong-way driver reportedly struck a patrol vehicle on US 183 near Creedmoor Drive. The driver now faces felony charges.
The Texas Department of Public Safety said the crash happened around 3:30 a.m. as a Nissan Altima traveled southbound on US 183. The Nissan's driver crossed into the wrong lane and hit the patrol vehicle head-on. The impact reportedly pushed the patrol car off the roadway and into a tree.
The deputy inside the patrol vehicle was taken to a local hospital. The extent of the injuries has not been released. The Nissan's driver, identified by DPS as an adult woman, was not hurt, and an 8-year-old child riding with her also was not injured.
The woman was arrested at the scene and booked into the Travis County Jail, detectives said. She faces a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony, and driving while intoxicated with a child passenger under 15, a state jail felony. The case remains under investigation.
We wish those injured a full recovery.
Why Wrong-Way Crashes Happen on Highways Like US 183
Wrong-way crashes usually start small: a driver misses an entrance ramp, turns onto an exit by mistake, or drifts across a center line while impaired or fatigued. On a divided highway like US 183, that single error puts a vehicle directly into oncoming traffic with little time for either driver to react.
Speed decides how that mistake plays out. Two vehicles closing on each other at highway speed combine their forces in a head-on impact, so even a short distance between cars translates into a hard, fast collision. Slower speeds give drivers more time to brake or steer away; higher speeds cut that window down to almost nothing.
These crashes cluster late at night and in the early morning hours, when traffic is lighter but alcohol impairment and drowsy driving are more common. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one alcohol-impaired-driving fatality occurred every 42 minutes on average in 2023. That pattern lines up with when a lot of wrong-way crashes are reported: overnight hours with fewer cars on the road but a higher chance the driver behind the wheel is impaired.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a car accident?
Move to a safe spot if possible, check for injuries, and call 911. Exchange information with other drivers, wait for law enforcement to arrive, and document the scene.
Where do most traffic accidents happen?
Crashes cluster on busy roadways and highways, especially at intersections, on ramps, and in stretches with higher speeds or limited lighting, such as overnight hours.
How can drivers reduce their crash risk?
Staying alert, following posted speeds, and never driving after drinking all lower the chance of a crash. Watching for road signs and lane markings helps avoid wrong-way entries onto divided highways.
What injuries are most common in car accidents?
Head-on and high-speed collisions usually cause head, neck, and chest injuries, along with broken bones. Severity usually depends on speed and whether occupants were properly restrained.
What to Do After a Wrong-Way Crash in Austin, TX
If you're involved in a wrong-way or head-on crash, call 911 right away and stay as still as possible until paramedics check you over, even if you feel fine at first. Adrenaline can mask pain from injuries that show up hours later.
Get a full medical evaluation as soon as you can, and keep records of any treatment. File a report with law enforcement if one hasn't already been taken at the scene, and request a copy for your records. Austin drivers dealing with the aftermath of a serious crash should also reach out to their insurance company promptly to begin documenting the incident.
