Watertown, CT (May 11, 2026) – A 79-year-old man was seriously injured in a two-vehicle crash on Sunday afternoon, May 10, on Route 8 southbound in Watertown, according to Connecticut State Police.
The crash occurred just before 3 p.m., just south of Exit 38. Troopers said a Ford pickup truck was traveling in the right lane when a Pontiac Solstice attempted to pass on the right. The sports car struck the pickup, triggering a loss of control.
Investigators said the Pontiac then crossed the left lane and crashed into a metal beam guardrail on the left shoulder. Emergency units responded and transported the sports car driver, a 79-year-old man, to Waterbury Hospital with serious traumatic injuries.
The driver of the Ford pickup reported no injuries in the collision. Authorities confirmed the investigation remains ongoing as of Monday morning.
We are thinking of the injured driver as he continues to receive medical care.
Why Passing Maneuvers on Highways Can Lead to Serious Crashes
High-speed passing maneuvers on highways can be dangerous when drivers attempt to overtake vehicles in areas with limited space or visibility. Passing on the right can be especially risky because it may place vehicles in unexpected positions relative to traffic flow.
When contact occurs at highway speeds, even a minor impact can cause a driver to lose control, leading to secondary collisions with barriers or other vehicles. Guardrail impacts are particularly severe because they do not absorb much of the crash energy, increasing the likelihood of serious injury. Older drivers may also face a greater risk of trauma in high-impact collisions due to increased physical vulnerability. Investigators typically review lane positioning, passing behavior, and roadway conditions when analyzing these incidents.
