SEYMOUR, Conn. (WTNH) – Both the Connecticut Department of Transportation and Connecticut State Police released statements after three wrong-way accidents occurred in the state Saturday morning.

State Police noted that wrong-way driving is not unique to our state and is a nationwide battle.

“In general, contributing factors that lead to wrong way drivers are not limited to those who are impaired, they can also involve those experiencing mental crisis, disoriented drivers who may be experiencing the effects of illness, and even severe weather conditions that can limit visibility,” State Police said in a statement. “Wrong way drivers are often identified by Troopers who encounter them on patrol traveling the highway as well as members of the public who report them through 911.”

Police urge the public to continue to call 911 if they witness these drivers on the road. Additionally, police noted the importance of helping loved ones manage their mental and physical health, as well as determining if they should maintain an operator’s license. Police also urge drivers to pull over if they’re ill while driving or avoid travel in severe weather conditions to avoid these accidents.

Additionally, CTDOT released a statement, noting that the safety of travels is their top priority. Last year, the department began designing pilot wrong-way detection systems, which are set to be installed at 15 locations across the state. The locations were selected from over 200 highway ramps identified as high risk, CTDOT said.

“These wrong-way detection systems will consist of a 360-degree camera deployed at ramps, which will detect vehicles traveling in the wrong direction and trigger wrong-way signs with flashing red LED lights,” CTDOT said in a statement. “If proven to reduce wrong way incidents, the Department hopes to secure funding to expand the pilot program.”

On Saturday morning, a 57-year-old man was arrested after driving drunk and traveling the wrong way on Route 8 in Seymour.

At 3:01 a.m., police were alerted of a wrong way driver traveling northbound on Route 8 southbound near exit 20.

Seymour Police found and stopped the car on the exit 22 entrance ramp.

Around the same time frame, other members of CSP were responding to two fatal crashes that both involved wrong-way drivers. Six people in total died.

The wrong-way driver in the Seymour incident was identified as 57-year-old Michael Brown.

Troopers noticed Brown had glassy and bloodshot eyes, and they detected an alcoholic odor from his mouth as he spoke. Troopers then initiated a sobriety test, which Brown failed.

He was charged with Operating Under the Influence, Driving Wrong Way on Divided Highway, and Failure to Carry License.

Brown was processed and released to his brother with a $1,500 bond. His court date is set for March 18.