Texas DOT, institutes demonstrate wrong way driving alert system

In a joint partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) and Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) are researching wrong-way driving, reports the Houston Chronicle. Almost 240 wrong way crashes happen each year in the state, according to the TTI. More than half of those resulted in a fatality crash. Researchers said most of those crashes occur at night, with alcohol impairment often a factor. On freeways, the most common way for someone to drive t
August 21, 2017 Read time: 2 mins
In a joint partnership with the 375 Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), 8520 Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) and 5690 Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) are researching wrong-way driving, reports the Houston Chronicle.


Almost 240 wrong way crashes happen each year in the state, according to the TTI. More than half of those resulted in a fatality crash. Researchers said most of those crashes occur at night, with alcohol impairment often a factor. On freeways, the most common way for someone to drive the wrong direction is to enter the freeway on an off-ramp.

Using connected car technology, TTI and SwRI researchers have demonstrated a system which alerts the traffic control room and warns not only the wrong-way driver but also other motorists and law enforcement. Warnings can also be displayed on dynamic message signs.

Texas already has some exit ramps equipped with warning lights for wrong way drivers. 797 Harris County Toll Road Authority has extensively lined tollway exits with warning lights. TxDOT has used the system at ramps with a history of wrong-way drivers in the Houston area, while TranStar has relayed information using the message signs along freeways.

Air Quality & Weather Systems Location Based Systems

Related Content

  • May 16, 2013
    University of Michigan announces new transportation research centre
    The University of Michigan has announced the establishment of the Michigan Mobility Transformation Centre as a partnership with government and industry to dramatically improve the safety, sustainability and accessibility of the ways that people and goods move from place to place. According to Peter Sweatman, director of the U-M Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) and director of the new centre, emerging technological advances could bring substantial benefits to society.
    Read More
  • October 28, 2024
    IntelliRoad gets Florida wrong-way approval
    Detection system designed to prevent catastrophic collisions is on DoT approved list
    Read More
  • March 18, 2014
    Wider uses for weigh in motion data
    Colin Sowman talks to Terry Bergan of International Road Dynamics about the latest uses of weigh-in-motion systems. Raising allowable truck weight limits improve transport efficiency but leaves an ever-increasing number of bridges vulnerable to being overloaded and damaged by vehicles heavier, and in some cases far heavier, than they were designed to carry. The simplistic solution is to impose weight restrictions and erect appropriate signs - but this could have severe knock-on effect on trucking operations
    Read More
  • April 23, 2013
    Southwest Research Institute driving innovation in autonomous vehicle technology
    Southwest Research Institute (SWRI) is in the driver's seat for driverless vehicle innovation. SWRI's latest autonomous vehicle model, an upgraded Polaris MRZR, is parked on the show floor at ITS America, and it is ready for action, literally. The latest SWRI intelligent vehicle systems are being tested by the US military.
    Read More

Highlighted Content