In an attempt to crack down on wrong-way drivers, the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is installing wrong-way detection systems on roads and freeways in Utah.
According to UDOT, the detection systems will alert drivers who are going the wrong way, and inform the Utah Highway Patrol and UDOT when a wrong-way driver is detected.
“We’re always looking at ways we can use technology to make our transportation system work better,” said Robert Miles, UDOT traffic and safety director. “This innovative system will help prevent wrong-way crashes, making our roads safer for everyone who uses them.”
Last fall, UDOT installed a detection system on the northbound off-ramp from Legacy Parkway at the I-15/Park Lane/US-89 interchange in Farmington. Over the several months it has been installed, UDOT says the system has detected 23 wrong-way drivers, all of whom turned around. Last week, the Utah Transportation Commission approved a funding request for $2.5 million to install these cameras and signs at 20 additional locations. Most of the locations are along I-15 in Salt Lake City.
“When a wrong-way driver is detected by the radar or the cameras, the LED signs activate to alert the driver. If the vehicle continues going the wrong way, the system sends automated alerts to the UDOT Traffic Operations Center (TOC) and UHP so the driver can be tracked and stopped as quickly as possible,” UDOT said in a statement.
“Along with the new detection, warning and alert system, UDOT has also installed additional signs and modified traffic signals to help make it more clear to drivers which way to go,” said UDOT.
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Source: KUTV.com
