Portsmouth police and EMS crews had a busy Wednesday, responding to several crashes across the city that tied up traffic, sent one driver to the hospital, and sparked tempers on the roadside.
Morning Crash on 5th Street
At 10:19 a.m., officers were dispatched to 5th Street for a two-vehicle crash that blocked traffic. Police stood by with the disabled vehicle until a tow truck cleared the roadway just before 11 a.m. No injuries were reported.
Injury Accident at Gallia and Gay Streets
A more serious crash occurred around 11:44 a.m. at Gallia and Gay Streets. Two cars collided, with one blocking traffic. An adult victim later called 911 to report knee injuries.
EMS transported the injured driver to the hospital for treatment. An 8-year-old child involved in the wreck did not require medical transport. Police cited one of the drivers for failure to obey a traffic control device. Two tow companies were called, and the road was reopened at 12:47 p.m.
Afternoon Dispute After 4th and Gay Street Crash
Just after 3 p.m., officers responded to 4th and Gay Streets for a collision between a Chevrolet Impala and a Ford Mustang. Though there were no injuries, the situation escalated when occupants of one vehicle allegedly became aggressive and began name-calling after the other driver said she was calling police.
At 3:43 p.m., dispatch received another call reporting that children and adults involved in the crash were attempting to fight. Officers separated the parties, gave one driver a ride, and urged everyone to calm down.
Defensive Driving Tips
Police say these incidents serve as a reminder of how quickly a routine drive can turn dangerous. Defensive driving can help reduce your risk of a crash:
Stay alert: Minimize distractions and always watch for other drivers running lights or failing to yield.
Keep space: Leave at least a three-second following distance between your car and the one in front of you.
Expect the unexpected: Don’t assume other drivers will obey traffic signals.
What To Do After a Crash
If you’re ever involved in an accident:
Check for injuries first. Call 911 if anyone is hurt.
Move to safety. If possible, get vehicles out of the roadway.
Exchange information. Share driver’s licenses, insurance, and contact details.
Document the scene. Take photos and note conditions.
Stay calm. Avoid arguments and wait for officers to arrive.
