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SAN ANTONIO, Bexar County, Texas, Oct. 9, 2026 — A wrong-way crash on southbound U.S. 281 near Josephine Street injured one driver and backed up traffic through downtown San Antonio during Friday morning's commute, October 9.
The crash happened shortly before 6 a.m., according to a preliminary report from the San Antonio Police Department. A 32-year-old man was driving the wrong way on the highway when his vehicle collided with another car.
A 29-year-old man was hurt and taken to a hospital, but the police have not released information about his condition.
Officers closed the two left lanes of southbound U.S. 281 after the crash. Traffic backed up as far as Basse Road by 7:30 a.m. before both lanes reopened around 8:30 a.m.
The 32-year-old driver is expected to be booked into the Bexar County jail on a charge of driving while intoxicated. The investigation is ongoing.
We wish those injured a full recovery.
Why Wrong-Way Crashes Happen More Commonly After Dark
Wrong-way crashes cluster in the early morning hours for reasons that have little to do with traffic volume. Roads are emptier, so a driver who enters against traffic has more distance to travel before meeting another vehicle, and that vehicle is usually moving at full highway speed with no warning. Headlights at night can also make it harder for a confused driver to tell which side of a divided highway they're on, especially near ramps, service roads, or construction detours that break from the usual pattern.
Alcohol impairment is the most common factor tied to these crashes, and it peaks in the same hours when visibility is already lowest, generally between midnight and 6 a.m. A driver who is impaired is slower to recognize wrong-way signs, reflective arrows, or oncoming headlights, and slower still to correct course once they notice something is wrong.
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. Combined with low light and low traffic volume, that risk factor helps explain why these crashes tend to happen in the dead of night rather than during the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do highways try to prevent wrong-way entries?
Many departments of transportation install lowered wrong-way signs, reflective pavement arrows, and sensors at exit ramps that can alert highway operators or trigger flashing warnings when a vehicle enters against traffic.
Does alcohol play a role in wrong-way crashes?
It's a leading factor nationally. Impaired drivers are more likely to miss signage, misjudge an on-ramp, or fail to correct course once headed the wrong direction.
Are wrong-way crashes more common on certain roads?
They happen most frequently on divided highways with limited-access ramps, particularly near downtown interchanges where entrance and exit ramps sit close together.
What causes wrong-way crashes?
Common causes include impaired driving, driver confusion at interchanges, missed or obscured signage, and reduced visibility at night.
What to Do After a Wrong-Way Crash in San Antonio, TX
If you're involved in a wrong-way crash, move to safety if your vehicle is drivable and call 911 right away. Even if you feel fine, get checked by a medical professional, since injuries from a head-on impact aren't always obvious right after the crash. Stay on scene until police arrive and give a statement, and ask for a copy of the incident report number for your records. If you're a witness, note the time, location, and direction of travel for both vehicles, since that information helps investigators piece together how the crash happened.
