Many drivers in Utah are concerned about the possibility of encountering a wrong-way driver on the road, especially after the tragic crash on Thursday morning on Interstate 15.
The Utah Department of Transportation has already implemented innovative technology to proactively prevent such accidents.
According to UDOT spokesperson John Gleason, there has been a significant increase in the occurrence of wrong-way crashes, and this is an issue that they are actively investigating.
He stated that they are currently considering this matter. He acknowledged that there has been an increase in such incidents in recent years, particularly during the pandemic. He also emphasized the complexity of studying driving behavior over the past few years.
Five fatalities have resulted from wrong-way crashes thus far in 2024, according to him. In the previous year, seven deaths were recorded from 18 wrong-way crashes, while in 2022, eight wrong-way crashes claimed the lives of 10 individuals.
According to Gleason, their approach involves leveraging technology to address this issue.
In 2023, the state implemented new detection and alert systems. Currently, there are twenty-one systems installed, with plans to add two more, according to UDOT.
According to Gleason, there will be two signs installed for drivers. The first sign, located at the bottom of the ramp, will light up and flash the message “Wrong Way.” If drivers fail to take any corrective action after passing this sign, the second sign before entering the freeway will also start to flash.
If the radar and HD/infrared cameras detect that the driver is going the wrong way, LED lights will blink to alert them.
“If our system detects a wrong-way driver, it immediately sends an alert to our operators at the traffic operations center,” Gleason explained.
Drivers within a 10-mile radius will be alerted by road signs to exercise caution.
According to the expert, if a driver manages to bypass the signs and continues driving in the wrong direction on the freeway, they will be traveling at high speeds. It won’t be long before they come into contact with other vehicles.
According to Gleason, tire spikes are not under consideration as an option.
According to a law enforcement officer, the ramp is utilized by law enforcement in various ways. He mentioned that wrong-way drivers often realize their mistake and turn around. However, if they end up damaging their tires in the process, it creates another issue.
He unfortunately stated that there is nothing that can prevent every wrong-way crash.
Gleason expressed that it is unfortunate that engineering cannot prevent intentional crashes or instances where individuals are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
He mentioned that they have encouraging data regarding this new system.
According to Gleason, they had implemented a test system at Park Lane in Farmington for approximately six months, and the outcomes were quite promising. He noted that when drivers mistakenly entered the wrong direction, they would immediately notice the feedback sign and quickly correct their mistake before proceeding onto the freeway.
According to Gleason, the driver involved in Thursday’s crash was not detected by UDOT’s detection and alert system.
