Texas is expanding efforts to combat wrong way drivers, who recently caused several fatalities on Houston area highways.
The Harris County Toll Road Authority plans to expand its system, which includes warning signs to deter drivers from entering the wrong way on exit ramps. If a driver ignores the warning signs, roadway sensors trigger a response in the toll road’s control room, alerting dispatchers to notify police. Cameras on the roadway automatically shift to provide the control room with a view of the car’s path. Next, electronic signs on the toll road change, warning oncoming drivers to pull over and stop. Finally, police position themselves to set up spike strips to stop the wrong way vehicle.
The Toll Road Authority is planning to add more LED warning signs, and the state transportation authority is studying similar technology for San Antonio.
More information is available here.
