Long Island Couple Catches Wrong-Way Driver On Dashcam

FREEPORT, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A Long Island couple had just moments to avoid a head-on crash with an oncoming car.

The couple talked with CBS2's Christine Sloan Tuesday about their near-death experience, and they also had a message for all drivers.

Steven and Leslie Buchbinder of Freeport were headed south on the Wantagh Parkway in the dark, with music playing, near the Southern State Parkway. Suddenly, bright lights appeared ahead as a car came at them – going the wrong way.

The Buchbinders captured the incident on dashcam video. It happened at 10:07 p.m. Friday.

"In a split second, my life could've been over," Leslie Buchbinder said.

They survived because of their quick-thinking measures, as well as that of another driver.

"Thank God the driver next to me was alert, because he was right parallel with me and he was able to give me room, and I was able to go in the middle lane and let the fellow pass by," Steven Buchbinder said.

The Buchbinders called 911. The New York State Police said troopers responded within minutes, but did not see the car going the wrong way.

They also said cameras on the parkway just monitor and do not record, so the dashcam video is all there is – and it is hard to see a license plate.

"It was a very dark night," Steven Buchbinder said, "and hopefully he was able to turn around get off the road and turn around before he hurt somebody."

The Buchbinders said they are thankful they have the dashcam that rolls when their car is on, so they can send out one message to all drivers – especially young ones.

"The one message I could give, it would be just the awareness for drunken driving and distracted driving. Do something to stop this and concentrate while you're driving."

Whether the wrong-way incident was a case of drunken driving or just a mistake, the Buchbinders showed the video to their son, Alex – just learning to drive – and his friends.

"I am thankful to have my parents with me today," Alex Buchbinder said.

The Buchbinders sent their video to CBS2's Alex Denis, remembering how every morning she warns viewers not to text and drive.

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