Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers responded early on May 26, 2026, to a single-vehicle rollover crash on the AZ-101 transition ramp to US-60 in Tempe. According to authorities, the vehicle went airborne after striking a storm drain, leading to a rollover and an arrest tied to suspected impairment.
Incident
Officials say the vehicle was traveling near the transition between AZ-101 and US-60 when it left the main roadway, crossed a raised landscaped divider, and struck a storm drain before becoming airborne.
The car then landed on the opposite side and rolled, prompting multiple 911 calls reporting the crash.
Driver Explanation
According to the investigation, the driver told authorities the crash began after missing an exit. Troopers say the vehicle then crossed into a restricted triangular area of roadway known as a gore point in an attempt to correct course.
A gore point is the paved or striped triangular section that separates highway lanes from exit or entrance ramps. It is not intended for vehicle travel and is marked to guide traffic safely between roadways.
In this case, the vehicle’s path through that area led directly into a raised drainage structure, which contributed to the rollover.
Crash Details
Investigators reported that the vehicle struck a storm drain, became airborne, and landed heavily on the opposite side of the divider before rolling.
Authorities noted that such features are placed in these areas specifically because they are not designed for vehicle travel, and collisions with them at speed often result in loss of control.
Impairment Investigation
During the post-crash interaction, troopers observed signs of impairment in the driver. The driver reportedly acknowledged drinking earlier in the evening and agreed to perform field sobriety tests.
According to law enforcement, those tests indicated impairment, and the driver was subsequently arrested on suspicion of DUI and transported for further processing.
Charges
The driver was taken into custody on DUI-related charges following the investigation at the scene.
Arizona law treats impaired driving seriously, with penalties that can include fines, jail time, license suspension, and mandatory ignition interlock requirements for certain offenders.
RoadSafety
Officials used the incident to highlight the risks of impaired driving and unsafe roadway maneuvers.
Arizona consistently records a significant share of traffic fatalities involving alcohol impairment. State safety programs include sobriety checkpoints, enforcement patrols, and public awareness campaigns aimed at reducing those numbers.
Context
Transportation officials note that missing an exit is a routine driving situation that can be corrected by continuing to the next available ramp. Highway systems are designed with frequent exits to prevent the need for sudden or unsafe maneuvers.
Entering restricted median or gore areas can create unpredictable driving conditions, especially at highway speeds where reaction time is limited.
Outlook
The case remains under standard DUI processing procedures. Further legal steps will depend on charging decisions following review of the incident report and any additional evidence.
Authorities have not announced additional charges at this time.
FAQs
Where did the crash happen?
On the AZ-101 transition ramp to US-60 in Tempe, Arizona.
What caused the rollover?
The vehicle struck a storm drain after entering a restricted roadway area.
Was the driver arrested?
Yes, the driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI.
What is a gore point?
A triangular roadway area separating highway lanes from exits or ramps.
What should drivers do if they miss an exit?
Continue to the next exit and re-route safely rather than cutting across lanes.
