Analysis of Performance Data Collected from Two Wrong-Way Driving Advanced Technology Countermeasures and Results of Countermeasures Stakeholder Surveys

Abstract

Wrong-way driving (WWD) often leads to severe collisions that cause serious injuries and deaths. Conventional “Wrong Way” signs can reduce WWD events, but can be insufficient in some cases. In areas with many WWD events, transportation agencies can be proactive by considering the use of countermeasures with advanced technologies to actively warn motorists of WWD violations. This paper analyzes recent performance data collected from two types of advanced technology WWD countermeasures implemented in Florida: light-emitting diode (LED) signs in South Florida and rectangular flashing beacon (RFB) signs in Central Florida. The 17 LED sites experienced a 38% reduction in WWD citations and 911 calls after the signs were installed. Images taken by the on-site cameras were examined to see how many vehicles turned around for both the RFB and LED treatment sites. Over 77% of the 170-detected wrong-way vehicles self-corrected their wrong-way movement at the RFB sites (each with two sets of signs and multiple cameras) and 14% self-corrected at the LED sites (each with one set of signs and one camera). Surveys were also conducted regarding these two WWD countermeasures. More than 73% of the 2,052 respondents preferred RFBs over LEDs, mainly due to the double set of RFB signs and their flashing pattern. The performance and survey results show that both the LEDs and RFBs have effectively reduced WWD movements. However, modifications could be made to both countermeasures to improve their detection ability and make wrong-way drivers more likely to turn around.