Wrong-Way Driving Prevention

Abstract

Wrong-way driving (WWD) crashes are rare on Central Florida roadways. However, WWD is a severe hazard, especially on high-speed limited access roadways. This research developed the first driver survey to obtain details about unreported WWD events on Central Florida toll roads and freeways. This phone survey asked participants about WWD events witnessed either by the participant or by a family member, friend, or acquaintance. The 400 completed surveys showed that State Road 408 (SR-408) and Florida's turnpike (SR-91) experienced the most WWD events. Fourteen percent of the WWD events resulted in a crash, and only 10% of the WWD events witnessed by participants were reported to law enforcement or roadway agencies, even though 50% of the events caused the survey participants to feel a high risk of danger. These results show that WWD is more frequent than indicated by crashes or 911 calls. On the basis of these results, the Central Florida Expressway Authority (formerly known as the Orlando–Orange County Expressway Authority) is pilot testing and evaluating the use of rapid rectangular flashing beacons (RRFBs) as a WWD countermeasure. This test will be the first use of RRFBs to combat WWD. Elsewhere, Florida's Turnpike Enterprise is installing flashing “Wrong Way” signs along the Homestead Extension (SR-821) and Sawgrass Expressway (SR-869) in South Florida, and the Florida Department of Transportation is implementing a variety of WWD countermeasures at I-10 ramps in Tallahassee in North Florida.

Investigating influence factors of traffic violations at signalized intersections using data gathered from traffic enforcement camera

“…In addition, channelization ratio (i.e., increasing lane number at intersection approaches) was found to increase WWD and VTM evidently. Hence, if the lane number at one intersection approach is increased, WWD dynamic warning sign [51], improved pavement markings [26], as well as guardrail installation at the corresponding intersection exit is recommended to prevent WWD; traffic oriented arrow ahead, smart traffic markings [25], and colored pavement [52] are suggested to deter VTM.…”

“…As to WWD, the existing literature focus on its related crashes, injuries, and interventions on freeways and their access ramps [24,26]. In practice, the WWD also often occurs on urban roads and at the intersections, particularly at signalized intersections with the channelized approaches.…”

Identifying Wrong-Way Driving Hotspots by Modeling Crash Risk and Assessing Duration of Wrong-Way Driving Events

“…Therefore, it is important to analyze other WWD events in addition to WWD crashes to better show the extent of the WWD problem, as TTI did in San Antonio. Since 2012, UCF has examined multiple types of WWD events throughout Florida, including crashes, citations, 911 calls, TMC logs, and personal experiences obtained through public and agency surveys to determine WWD hotspots (15)(16)(17). These studies found that WWD is more common than indicated by crash, citation, or 911 call data, because only 10% of surveyed Central Florida toll road drivers who saw a WWD event reported it (15)(16)(17).…”

“…Since 2012, UCF has examined multiple types of WWD events throughout Florida, including crashes, citations, 911 calls, TMC logs, and personal experiences obtained through public and agency surveys to determine WWD hotspots (15)(16)(17). These studies found that WWD is more common than indicated by crash, citation, or 911 call data, because only 10% of surveyed Central Florida toll road drivers who saw a WWD event reported it (15)(16)(17). UCF's research started in Central Florida but has since expanded throughout the state, with emphasis on South and Central Florida, the WWD hotspot areas (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(15)(16)(17)(18).…”

“…These studies found that WWD is more common than indicated by crash, citation, or 911 call data, because only 10% of surveyed Central Florida toll road drivers who saw a WWD event reported it (15)(16)(17). UCF's research started in Central Florida but has since expanded throughout the state, with emphasis on South and Central Florida, the WWD hotspot areas (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(15)(16)(17)(18). This research has included the development of new WWD models that can utilize WWD citations and 911 calls, roadway design characteristics, and traffic volumes to predict WWD crash risk at the regional, county, and roadway levels (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6).…”