Durham County, NC (March 2, 2026) – A head-on crash on NC-147 early on Sunday morning, March 1, claimed the lives of a North Carolina State Highway Patrol trooper and another driver.
According to initial reports, Master Trooper Steven J. Perry was on duty when his patrol vehicle was struck by a wrong-way driver. The collision occurred in Durham County and resulted in fatal injuries to both Trooper Perry and the other motorist.
Highway Patrol officials confirmed that Trooper Perry died at the scene. The other driver was also pronounced dead. Authorities have not released additional identifying details about the second driver.
Trooper Perry graduated from the 148th Basic Patrol School and served Durham County for nearly seven years. During his career, he built strong ties within the community and earned the respect of fellow troopers.
Emergency units responded to the crash site and assisted in managing the aftermath. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
Why Wrong-Way Crashes on Highways Often Turn Deadly
Wrong-way crashes on highways frequently result in severe or fatal outcomes. These accidents often involve vehicles traveling at high speeds in opposite directions, which increases the force of impact.
Limited visibility at night can make it harder for drivers to recognize a vehicle heading toward them in the wrong lane. In some cases, confusion at entrance or exit ramps may contribute to a driver entering a highway incorrectly.
High-speed roads like state highways are designed for steady traffic flow. When a vehicle moves against that flow, drivers have very little time to react. Even quick attempts to brake or swerve may not prevent a serious collision under those conditions.
