In broad daylight and with several oncoming vehicles, the Do Not Enter and Wrong Way signs seem like they are unnecessary. However, late at night with no oncoming traffic and especially with an impaired driver, the Wrong Way sign is not enough to stop a wrong way driver (WWD).
It turns out that in the United States, WWD crashes result in the deaths of 300 to 400 people each year on average. This represents approximately 1 percent of the total number of traffic related fatalities that occur annually. Since WWD crashes involve head-on or opposite direction sideswipe crashes at high speeds, they tend to be relatively more severe than other types of crashes.
To address the WWD problem, Phoenix, AZ has approved a $3.7 million project to construct a thermal detection system, which will detect wrong-way vehicles and alert the other drivers and law enforcement. Prior to choosing a thermal detection systems, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) first investigated whether in-pavement loop detectors could be programmed to pick up wrong-way vehicles. However, this approach produced too many false positives. ADOT also tested different radar-based systems, both in Phoenix and in rural areas. This testing showed that thermal cameras commonly used to detect right-way traffic at intersections were very reliable at detecting vehicles traveling in the wrong direction.
When implemented, the thermal imaging system will provide warning signs for wrong-way drivers (illuminated signs with flashing lights, aimed at getting drivers to stop) and advisories for right-way drivers along a 15-mile stretch of the test highway. In addition, the system will automatically focus highway cameras on the wrong-way vehicle and send automated alerts to the Highway Patrol to help troopers intercept the WWD faster.
The first-in-the-nation system will go out for bid in the coming weeks, so details on the type of cameras or system are not available now.
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