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

  • March 20, 2018
    Image Sensing Systems introduces wrong-way alerting solution
    Image Sensing Systems is promoting the addition of a wrong-way alerting solution. An all-in-one system, it provides reliable wrong-way detection on ramps. Drivers wrongfully entering the highway from an off-ramp pose a serious safety risk that can result in severe, and sometimes, fatal accidents. The detection of these wrong-way drivers is vital to reducing these risks. The automatic incident detection (AID) wrong-way alerting solution can monitor any portion of the ramp with a single zone. This module
    Read More
  • October 28, 2016
    Alcohol interlocks aid drink drive adherence
    The use of alcohol interlocks to prevent drink driving and change driver behaviour is gaining ground around the world but needs greater buy-in from authorities as Colin Sowman discovers. The often repeated mantra says that prevention is better than cure - and none more so than in the case of drink-driving. The introduction of the breathalyser provided an objective indication of alcohol consumption instead of having drivers touch their nose or walk in a straight line. Initially breathalysers were used as a r
    Read More
  • April 2, 2014
    Texas opts for Skyline LED signs
    Skyline Products is to provide its LED dynamic message signs (DMS) throughout the state of Texas under a state-wide contract with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The DMS will display traffic messages to help keep the flow of traffic flowing and drivers aware of traffic conditions. Skyline has already installed signs throughout Texas in areas such as Dallas- Fort Worth, Houston, and El Paso. “Skyline Products is proud to be one of the state-wide suppliers for LED Dynamic Message Sign
    Read More
  • June 14, 2017
    ADOT advances wrong-way detection with US$3.7 million project
    A US$3.7 million project by Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to construct a thermal detection system to detect wrong-way vehicles and alert other drivers and law enforcement has been approved by the State Transportation Board. Once operational, the system will use thermal cameras, warning signs for wrong-way drivers and advisories for right-way drivers along a 15-mile stretch of I-17. In addition, the system will automatically focus highway cameras on the wrong-way vehicle and send automated aler
    Read More

Highlighted Content