Since the beginning of the year, the Highway Patrol in Tuscany has been tirelessly working to ensure the safety of all who travel on the region’s main roads. With over 11,000 interventions, they have provided essential assistance to people, animals, and vehicles in distress. Recently, two particularly dangerous incidents on the Autostrada del Sole and Autopalio highlighted the critical role these officers play in maintaining road safety.
Wrong Way on the Autostrada del Sole
One of the most alarming incidents occurred early one Sunday morning when a 60-year-old man from Paternò, Sicily, inadvertently entered the Autostrada del Sole at the Valdarno toll booth—going the wrong way. As he drove his moped against the flow of traffic, motorists heading towards Rome were shocked and narrowly avoided collisions. The Highway Police Operations Center received urgent calls from concerned drivers, and a patrol from the Battifolle Subsection was immediately dispatched to intercept the moped.
The officers managed to stop the man before a potentially fatal accident occurred. Upon investigation, they found that the driver was confused and unable to speak coherently. Concerned for his well-being, the officers called for an ambulance, which transported him to a hospital in Arezzo.
The man’s life was saved thanks to the quick and decisive actions of the Highway Patrol. His moped was seized, and his driving license was revoked to prevent any further risk to himself or others.
Incident Near Poggibonsi on the Autopalio
Another significant rescue operation took place last Tuesday near Poggibonsi, on the Autopalio. As darkness fell, a 38-year-old man from Siena inexplicably stopped his car in the middle of a lane. The sudden obstacle caught drivers by surprise, and many struggled to avoid a collision. A crew from the Montepulciano Detachment quickly arrived at the scene. Demonstrating their training and teamwork, one officer signaled to oncoming vehicles, warning them of the danger, while the other used the patrol car to shield the stopped vehicle. The patrol car’s lights were activated to provide visibility and prevent a serious accident.
The situation took a bizarre turn when the driver exited his vehicle and calmly crossed the guard rail, disappearing into the nearby vegetation. The officers soon realized that the man was not in a clear state of mind.
After administering a breathalyzer test, the man was found to be intoxicated and in possession of methadone. His behavior was erratic, and he even kicked the police car in his disoriented state.
Understanding the gravity of the situation, the officers quickly secured the area and, with the help of a winch, towed the vehicle to the Colle Val D’Elsa junction. The driver was subsequently reported for damage to police property and drunk driving. His car was seized, and his license was withdrawn to ensure he could not endanger himself or others on the road.
Glory to Brave Men!
These two incidents serve as stark reminders of the dangers that can occur on the roads and the essential role of the Highway Patrol in Tuscany. Their swift actions and professional conduct prevented what could have been two tragic accidents. The dedication of these officers is a testament to their commitment to ensuring the safety of all road users. As they continue to patrol Tuscany’s highways, their presence provides reassurance that help is always at hand, ready to intervene in moments of crisis.