RIDOT's wrong-way driving systems ‘halt close to fifty potential crashes’

One year after its debut, Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) says its investment in wrong-way driving detection technology is proving to be very successful – none of the 47 wrong-way driving incidents where these systems have been installed has resulted in a wrong-way crash. Working with the Rhode Island State Police, RIDOT identified 24 high-risk locations for installing this technology at select ramps along I-95, I-195, Route 146, Route 10, Route 4, Route 6 and Routes 6/10 at Memorial Boule
May 6, 2016 Read time: 2 mins

One year after its debut, 7642 Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) says its investment in wrong-way driving detection technology is proving to be very successful – none of the 47 wrong-way driving incidents where these systems have been installed has resulted in a wrong-way crash.

Working with the Rhode Island State Police, RIDOT identified 24 high-risk locations for installing this technology at select ramps along I-95, I-195, Route 146, Route 10, Route 4, Route 6 and Routes 6/10 at Memorial Boulevard in Providence. The detectors are designed to sense if a driver is going the wrong way and notify both the driver and RIDOT. When a wrong-way driver is detected, LED lights embedded in wrong-way signs begin flashing at the driver. If the wrong-way driver continues to drive beyond the flashing signs, State Police and local police are notified, and a message is displayed on the State's overhead electronic signs to warn other drivers in the immediate area.

The detection system cost approximately US$600,000, and was part of a larger US$2 million investment which also included upgrading the signing and striping at 145 locations (more than 200 actual ramps) across the state. The overall goal was to clearly distinguish exit ramps from entrance ramps and prevent driver confusion.

"We are extremely pleased with the results of this system," RIDOT director Peter Alviti, Jr said. "Improving highway safety and saving lives is integral to the mission of our Department. Even if the systems only prevented one wrong-way crash and the serious injuries or deaths that could have resulted, this program has proven to be a wise investment."

Urban Traffic Control Air Quality & Weather Systems

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Swarco puts the DVSA in control with new prism sign installation
    May 20, 2015
    Five prism signs have been installed Swarco Traffic to manage traffic control approaching an Enforcement Checksite operated by the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) on the M74 motorway in Scotland. The signs have been installed at strategic points along the M74 by Beattock Summit to guide heavy vehicles into the nearside lane and direct selected vehicles into the weighbridge and inspection area. The signs feature a combination of control solutions with urban traffic management and control (UTMC)
    Read More
  • Front crash prevention slashes police-reported rear-end crashes, says IIHS
    January 29, 2016
    Vehicles equipped with front crash prevention are much less likely to rear-end other vehicles, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has found in the first study of the feature's effectiveness using US police-reported crash data. The study found that systems with automatic braking reduce rear-end crashes by about 40 per cent on average, while forward collision warning alone cuts them by 23 per cent. The automatic braking systems also greatly reduce injury crashes.
    Read More
  • Smartphone - the next technology for charging and tolling?
    January 25, 2012
    With all the debates over the most suitable future technology or technologies for charging and tolling, is it not time for the industry to look at what the rest of ITS is doing and bring a rank outsider - the smart phone - closer into the fold? By Jack Opiola, D'Artagnan Consulting LLC
    Read More
  • IBTTA’s roll-call of excellence
    September 2, 2022
    Winners of the IBTTA’s Toll Excellence Awards will be presented with their trophies during the 90th Annual Meeting & Exhibition in Austin, Texas
    Read More

Highlighted Content