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CREWE, Nottoway County, Va., Oct. 13, 2026 — A 75-year-old woman died Sunday night, October 11, after state police say she drove the wrong way on US Route 460 and collided head-on with another vehicle. The crash happened near Piney Green Road in Nottoway County.
Virginia State Police said the crash happened around 7 p.m. on US-460 when the woman's car traveled east in the westbound lanes and struck a Honda head-on. She was identified by police as Gertrude Hargrove of Kenbridge.
Hargrove was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger in her vehicle was belted and was taken to a hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
The driver of the Honda, reported to be 18 years old, was taken to a separate hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The crash remains under investigation by Virginia State Police. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the person who died, and we wish those injured a full recovery.
A Common Misconception About Wrong-Way Crashes
Many drivers assume wrong-way crashes are mostly a young-driver problem, tied to inexperience or risk-taking behind the wheel. The data on divided highways tells a different story.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, older drivers had a higher risk of fatal wrong-way crashes on divided highways in 2014 through 2023. Factors like declining vision, slower reaction times, and confusion at interchanges or exit ramps can play a bigger role than reckless driving in these cases.
That doesn't mean younger drivers are immune, but it does mean the assumption that wrong-way crashes are driven mainly by speed or impairment among younger motorists doesn't hold up when looking at the broader pattern of fatal cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do highways try to prevent wrong-way entries?
Many state transportation departments use lowered "Wrong Way" and "Do Not Enter" signage, reflective pavement arrows, and in some locations wrong-way detection systems that alert highway operators in real time.
Does alcohol play a role in wrong-way crashes?
It can be a factor in some cases, particularly at night, but wrong-way crashes also happen due to driver confusion, medical issues, or missed signage, especially among older drivers. Each case is different and is determined through investigation.
Are wrong-way crashes more common on certain roads?
They occur more often on divided highways with limited-access points, interchanges, or ramps where a driver can mistakenly enter traveling against the normal flow.
What to Do After a Wrong-Way Crash in Crewe, Virginia
If you're involved in or witness a wrong-way crash, call 911 immediately and move to a safe location if possible. Head-on collisions often cause serious injury even at moderate speeds, so anyone involved should be evaluated by medical personnel, even if injuries aren't immediately obvious.
Cooperate with responding troopers and provide an honest account of what you saw. If you're a passenger or surviving driver, keep records of medical visits and any official crash report filed by the investigating agency. For families coping with the loss of a loved one in a case like this, local victim services through the Virginia State Police or Nottoway County can help connect you with grief and support resources.
