Texas Taking Steps to Curb Wrong-Way Driving

Texas Taking Steps to Curb Wrong-Way Driving

Wrong-way drivers tend to get plenty of attention from the news due to the incredible danger they throw into the paths of innocent motorists. While wrong-way driving seems relatively rare, according to the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC), approximately 350 fatalities occur each year from drivers going the wrong way, with thousands more injured.

After a spate of wrong-way crashes in the Fort Worth area, the Texas Department of Transportation researched the causes for wrong-way driving. The state DOT partnered with the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) and found:
-The majority of drivers going the wrong way are under the influence of alcohol or drugs
-Most wrong-way drivers begin by getting onto the wrong exit ramp
-Crashes between a vehicle traveling in the wrong direction and another motorist tend to be severe and more likely to result in death or serious injury
-Elderly drivers are more likely to drive in the wrong direction
-Most crashes happen at night or in early morning, when it is darkest

Texas Taking a Variety of Approaches to Stop Wrong-Way Drivers

The state is now taking several measures to help protect motorists on the road. The North Texas Tollway Authority has installed sensors inside the asphalt for several highway on-ramps that can detect when a car is traveling the wrong way. While it doesn't actively prevent drivers from going the wrong way, the sensors can alert authorities much more quickly than having to wait for a 911 call or an accident.

Additionally, the TTI study found that impaired drivers at night generally focus on the ground in front of the car, trying to stay in the lane. Since they don't raise their eyes, they can miss the usual 7-foot Wrong Way or Do Not Enter sign. The federal government is hoping to approve 2-foot reflective signs this spring. This may also help drivers with poor vision at night.

Finally, many ramps will feature reflective pavement bumps showing the correct direction to travel. The raised bumps are arranged in a large arrow pointing in the right direction on the ground.

Currently the shorter signs are scheduled to be put in North Texas. If they work on toll roads, they will install them in larger Texas cities such as San Antonio. Wrong-way crashes can cause a devastating physical and emotional toll. If a drunk or reckless driver has injured you, contact a personal injury attorney.