A 46-year-old truck driver traveled nearly three kilometers in the wrong direction on a highway near Wiesbaden, Germany, on Saturday afternoon. According to police reports, the driver intentionally turned his 7.5-ton vehicle around on a parking area after missing his exit.
The driver then proceeded on the shoulder of the A671 motorway toward the Hochheim-Süd exit. Witnesses reported to authorities that the truck reached speeds of up to 80 km/h while traveling against traffic, even failing to slow down at on- and off-ramps. “Only through luck was anything worse prevented,” a police spokesperson stated.
The driver offered a simple explanation for the dangerous maneuver: he was unfamiliar with the area and missed his intended exit. A breathalyzer test administered by police yielded negative results.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have confiscated the driver’s license and are investigating him for endangering road traffic. Police are currently seeking witnesses and drivers who may have been forced to swerve to avoid the truck. It is possible that further investigation will reveal additional details regarding the driver’s actions and motivations.
The incident was reported by Tanja Stehning of hessenschau.de and aired on hr INFO on January 10, 2026, at 7:00 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the truck driver’s explanation for driving the wrong way?
The driver stated he was unfamiliar with the area and missed his exit.
Was alcohol a factor in this incident?
No, a breathalyzer test conducted by police was negative.
What is the police doing in response to this incident?
Police have confiscated the driver’s license, are investigating him for endangering road traffic, and are seeking witnesses.
What factors might contribute to a driver making such a dangerous decision?
