HANOVER TOWNSHIP, Washington County, Pa., Sept. 29, 2026 — A woman died Saturday night, September 26, after her vehicle entered Route 22 going the wrong way and struck another vehicle head-on in Hanover Township, according to state police.
The crash happened just after 10:30 p.m. in the eastbound lanes of Route 22, about a half-mile before the Burgettstown exit. A vehicle driven by 53-year-old Dawn D'Andrea of Wintersville, Ohio, reportedly entered the highway traveling against traffic before colliding with an oncoming vehicle.
D'Andrea died in the crash. A passenger riding in D'Andrea's vehicle and the driver of the other vehicle were both flown to hospitals.
The crash remains under investigation by the coroner's office and state police. We offer our deepest sympathy to the family of the victim.
Why Wrong-Way Crashes Happen on Highways Like Route 22
Wrong-way crashes rarely come down to a simple wrong turn. Most start with a driver who is impaired, disoriented, or both, entering an exit ramp or divided highway going the opposite direction from traffic without immediately realizing it. By the time other drivers see headlights coming toward them, there is often little time to react.
Alcohol and drug impairment show up in a large share of these cases nationally, because impaired drivers are slower to notice wrong-way signage, missed turns, or reversed lane markings, especially at night when visibility is already reduced. Fatigue and unfamiliarity with an interchange can produce the same result even without impairment, but the pattern skews heavily toward drivers who are not fully in control of their judgment.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, drivers without valid licenses had a higher risk of fatal wrong-way crashes on divided highways in 2014 through 2023. That finding points to a broader overlap between wrong-way driving and drivers who are already operating outside the normal rules of the road, whether through impairment, an unlicensed status, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do highways try to prevent cars from entering the wrong way?
Many interstates and divided highways use lowered "Wrong Way" and "Do Not Enter" signs positioned at a driver's eye level, along with reflective pavement markings and, on some corridors, sensors that alert authorities or flash warnings when a vehicle is detected traveling against traffic.
Does alcohol play a role in wrong-way crashes?
Impairment is a factor in a large portion of wrong-way crashes nationally, particularly those that happen at night, though investigators typically need toxicology results before confirming impairment in any individual case.
Are wrong-way crashes more common on certain types of roads?
They occur most often on divided highways and interstates near ramps and interchanges, where a driver can mistakenly turn onto an exit ramp instead of an entrance ramp.
What usually causes a driver to go the wrong way?
Common factors include alcohol or drug impairment, driver confusion at interchanges, fatigue, and, less often, medical emergencies.
What to Do After a Wrong-Way Crash in Hanover Township, Pennsylvania
If you are involved in or witness a wrong-way crash, call 911 immediately and try to describe your exact location, including mile markers or nearby exits, so responders can find the scene quickly. Stay in your vehicle if it is unsafe to exit onto the roadway, and turn on hazard lights if possible.
Anyone involved should seek medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor, since head-on impacts can cause internal injuries that are not immediately obvious. Keep records of any medical visits and follow up with local police or the coroner's office if you're asked to provide a statement, since these crashes are often reviewed closely as part of a broader investigation.
