Wrong-Way Driver Causes Highway 101 Collision

Two cars collided head-on on southbound U.S. Highway 101 northwest of Petaluma early this morning after a Santa Rosa man drove the wrong way on the freeway, according to the California Highway Patrol.

A 2002 Mazda Protege driven by Dustin Troy Loff, 33, was first reported traveling north in the left lane of southbound 101 near Pepper Road shortly after 12:30 a.m., according to CHP Officer Marcus Hawkins.

Only minutes later, south of West Railroad Avenue, Troy's car collided head-on with a 1995 Nissan Pathfinder traveling south in the same lane. Both vehicles came to a stop, blocking the two middle lanes and scattering debris. Loff sustained internal injuries and major lacerations to his right arm, Hawkins said.

The Pathfinder's driver, San Anselmo resident Erik Howard Smyth, 42, sustained head lacerations and complained of pain to his back and right arm.

His passenger, San Anselmo resident Daniel Uzilevsky, 32, suffered a broken femur and ankle and left arm, as well as a broken sternum and ribs. Both drivers are under investigation for driving under the influence, Hawkins said.

Loff has two prior DUI convictions and is currently on probation which requires that he consume no alcohol.