PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation’s pilot Interstate 17 wrong-way vehicle alert system being tested in Phoenix has been recognized with a Government Innovation Award from GCN, an information technology industry magazine.

Governor Doug Ducey, who has directed ADOT to advance efforts to develop wrong-way vehicle countermeasures, including the I-17 system, said the award recognizes the state’s commitment to public safety.

“Too frequently we see reports of another death on our highways due to a wrong-way driver – often one impaired by alcohol or drugs,” Governor Ducey said. “Arizona has taken meaningful steps to crack down on wrong-way driving, and we are proud to lead the way among states for developing and testing measures that make our roads safer and protect innocent drivers.”

In addition, Governor Ducey championed a new law that has wrong-way drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol face felony charges.

The first-in-the-nation system being tested on 15 miles of I-17 uses thermal cameras to detect and track wrong-way vehicles while also immediately alerting ADOT and the Arizona Department of Public Safety. This can save troopers valuable time in responding to incidents rather than waiting for 911 calls from other motorists.

“ADOT is working alongside several other state agencies to explore every viable option when it comes to detecting and preventing wrong-way vehicles,” said Dallas Hammit, ADOT’s state engineer and deputy director for transportation. “While we know that no system can be designed to completely prevent wrong-way drivers, the I-17 system is a significant step forward in these efforts.”

The system also allows ADOT to quickly warn other drivers about wrong-way vehicles via messages on electronic freeway signs.

The pilot project is allowing ADOT to evaluate how technology can be used to reduce the risks associated with wrong-way drivers before expanding it to other freeways.

“This technology so far has shown great promise,” said Brent Cain, who leads ADOT’s Transportation Systems Management and Operations division. “With a commitment to helping every driver get home safely, our entire team has worked tirelessly to generate and research ideas and then design, implement and test this system.”

Thermal cameras have recorded more than 30 detections of wrong-way vehicles, mostly along I-17 off-ramps located within the project’s boundaries between the I-10 “Stack” interchange near downtown and the Loop 101 interchange in north Phoenix. Most the drivers in those incidents have turned around on an off-ramp without entering the mainline lanes of I-17. 

The system’s 90 thermal cameras are positioned to detect wrong-way vehicles entering off-ramps or traveling along I-17. Through the computerized decision-support system, the pilot project also is designed to trigger new illuminated wrong-way signs with flashing red lights aimed at getting the attention of the wrong-way driver.

This technology cannot prevent all wrong-way crashes from happening. The primary goal is reducing the risk of serious crashes by alerting AZDPS and ADOT to wrong-way vehicles much faster than waiting for 911 calls from other motorists. While technology holds promise for reducing the risk of serious crashes, it can’t prevent impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel.

PHOENIX – Phoenix-area drivers are used to seeing freeway entrance-ramp meters with alternating green and red traffic lights during weekday rush hours. But some of the red lights in Interstate 17 ramp meters also play a role as part of the pilot wrong-way vehicle detection system being tested by the Arizona Department of Transportation.

When a wrong-way vehicle is detected by the thermal camera-based technology now in place along 15 miles of I-17 in Phoenix, the system also turns on the red lights in nearby entrance ramp meters to try to hold “right-way” traffic from entering the freeway.

“While most drivers aren’t used to seeing a solid red light displayed by a ramp meter for more than a few seconds, we want I-17 drivers in Phoenix to know there is a reason for that to happen – a wrong-way vehicle may be ahead on the freeway,” said Susan Anderson, ADOT’s systems technology group manager.

Via the I-17 pilot project’s decision support system, the red lights on entrance ramp meters are programmed to turn on within 3 miles of a detected wrong-way vehicle. If the vehicle continues along the freeway, additional ramp meter red lights will be activated. The red lights are programmed to return to their normal mode for that particular time of day or night, including turning off, after the system detects that the wrong-way vehicle is no longer in the area.

“As we test the overall wrong-way vehicle alert system and research its performance over the next several months, it’s important to note that the ramp meter red lights are one of several countermeasures,” Anderson said. “The ramp meter lights are traffic signals, so I-17 drivers on entrance ramps should be prepared to stop if the light is a solid red, no matter what time of day.”

The first-in-the-nation I-17 system features 90 thermal detection cameras positioned above exit ramps as well as the mainline of the freeway between the I-10 “Stack” interchange near downtown and the Loop 101 interchange in north Phoenix. When a wrong-way vehicle is detected entering an off-ramp, the system is designed to trigger a background-illuminated “wrong-way” sign to try to get the driver’s attention.

Alerts also are immediately sent to ADOT’s Traffic Operations Center and the Arizona Department of Public Safety so traffic operators can quickly activate freeway message boards to warn other drivers while state troopers can respond faster than relying on 911 calls.

Since it went operational in January, the system has detected more than 30 wrong-way vehicles entering I-17 off-ramps and frontage roads. One vehicle was detected on I-17 in north Phoenix on July 5 and the driver was stopped by AZDPS. The majority of drivers in vehicles detected by the I-17 system have turned around on exit ramps without entering the freeway.

PHOENIX ‒ The wrong-way detection and warning system being tested along 15 miles of Interstate 17 in Phoenix alerted officials early Thursday to a vehicle traveling southbound in the wrong direction between Loop 101 and Bell Road, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation and Arizona Department of Public Safety.

No crash resulted from the incident, which involved the first vehicle detected on I-17 travel lanes in Phoenix since the wrong-way system went into operation in January.

At 1:11 a.m., the system sounded an alert that a wrong-way vehicle was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of I-17 at Union Hills Road. The vehicle exited shortly after, turned around and reentered I-17 going the right way in the northbound lanes. While traffic operators and DPS continued tracking the vehicle, state troopers alerted through the system stopped the driver and took him into custody on suspicion of DUI.

The $4 million system includes 90 thermal detection cameras positioned above exit ramps and the mainline of the freeway between the I-10 “Stack” interchange near downtown to the Loop 101 interchange in north Phoenix. It’s designed to provide immediate alerts to ADOT and DPS so traffic operators can quickly warn other drivers via overhead message boards and state troopers can respond faster than relying on 911 calls from other drivers.

A detection by this first-in the-nation system sets off a loud horn in ADOT’s Traffic Operations Center as a window appears on operators’ workstations showing video from the thermal camera and providing other data. Using a computerized decision support system, operators can immediately activate digital message boards in the area alerting drivers and instructing them to exit the freeway.

If the detection is at an off-ramp, an internally illuminated wrong-way sign with red flashing LEDs will activate. It’s positioned along the ramp to attract the attention of wrong-way drivers, most of whom are impaired, often severely.

As it studies results from the wrong-way system along with partner agencies, ADOT is planning to install it along Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway that’s scheduled to open in late 2019 and is looking at adding it to other freeways.

In addition to Thursday’s detection, the system has detected more than 20 vehicles entering I-17 off-ramps and frontage roads in the wrong direction. None of these other vehicles is believed to have entered I-17 travel lanes, with the majority of drivers turning around on exit ramps.

Technology like the I-17 thermal camera system cannot prevent all wrong-way crashes from happening. The primary goal is reducing the risk of serious crashes by alerting DPS and ADOT to wrong-way vehicles much faster than waiting for 911 calls from other motorists. Faster detection is a key to giving law enforcement officers an improved chance of responding to a wrong-way vehicle.

PHOENIX – A loud horn sounds in the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Traffic Operations Center. That alarm signals a possible detection of a wrong-way vehicle by one of the thermal cameras watching the off-ramps and travel lanes along 15 miles of Interstate 17 in Phoenix, part of a detection-and-warning system that’s the first of its kind in the nation.

While the same alert goes immediately to the Arizona Department of Public Safety to help troopers reach the scene as quickly as possible, a window appears on operators’ work stations showing video from the thermal camera and providing other data. Using a computerized decision support system, operators can immediately activate digital message boards in the area alerting drivers to the potential danger and instructing them to exit the freeway.

If the detection is at an off-ramp, an internally illuminated wrong-way sign with red flashing LEDs has activated, positioned to attract the attention of wrong-way drivers, most of whom are impaired, often severely.

As ADOT looks toward expanding use of the technology, the agency is studying results from the I-17 system that went into operation in January at off-ramps and at intervals along travel lanes between Interstate 10 and the Loop 101.

To date, the system has detected more than 15 vehicles entering I-17 off-ramps and frontage roads in the wrong direction. None of these vehicles has entered the I-17 mainline lanes, with the majority of drivers turning around on exit ramps.

“While the system can’t prevent people from driving while impaired, the results so far are promising as a countermeasure to this deadly behavior,” said Brent Cain, who leads ADOT’s Transportation Systems Management and Operations division. “The goal is reducing the risk of wrong-way crashes by saving valuable time when a wrong-way vehicle is detected.”

The $4 million system includes 90 thermal detection cameras positioned above exit ramps and the mainline of the freeway between the I-10 “Stack” interchange near downtown to the Loop 101 interchange in north Phoenix.

ADOT and partner agencies will evaluate the system’s performance over approximately the next year while it looks toward using it on other freeways, including the new Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway that’s scheduled to open in late 2019.

ADOT will continue working with the Department of Public Safety and the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety to promote efforts to stop impaired driving.

Technology like the I-17 thermal camera system cannot prevent all wrong-way crashes from happening. The primary goal is reducing the risk of serious crashes by alerting DPS and ADOT to wrong-way vehicles much faster than waiting for 911 calls from other motorists. Faster detection is a key to giving law enforcement officers an improved chance of responding to a wrong-way vehicle.

PHOENIX – It happens in an instant. An overhead message board flashes, “ALERT, WRONG-WAY DRIVER AHEAD.” Or headlights suddenly appear on your side of a divided roadway.

What you do before and during these and other situations involving wrong-way drivers, most of whom are impaired, can increase the chances of avoiding a potentially fatal collision.

At the direction of Governor Doug Ducey, the Arizona Department of Transportation, the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety are launching “Drive Aware, Get There,” a safety campaign aimed at helping drivers minimize the risk of being in a crash with a wrong-way vehicle.

“From the deployment of thermal camera detection technology to vigilant law enforcement efforts, Arizona is taking action to address wrong-way driving,” said Governor Ducey. “This public awareness effort will provide drivers with information to increase their safety when driving at night and understand what to do in the event of an encounter with a wrong-way driver.”

ADOT has taken several steps to curb wrong-way drivers, including installation of a first-in-the-nation wrong-way detection and warning prototype that uses thermal cameras.

“Safety is a top priority at ADOT and from an engineering standpoint we will do everything we can to make the state highway system the safest it can be,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “But engineering alone won’t solve the problem of wrong-way drivers. Stopping impaired driving is the most effective way to stop wrong-way drivers and we all have a responsibility to stop impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel.”

“Drive Aware, Get There” shows what drivers can do to increase their safety when driving at night, what to do if a wrong-way vehicle is encountered and if an overhead sign warning of a wrong-way driver ahead is seen.

“My best advice: Have a plan,” said Col. Frank Milstead, Director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety. “Take a moment right now to think about what you would do if you saw a wrong-way car coming at you. When you see the headlights coming at you, the closing speed is so rapid you only have a split-second to react. Be vigilant and plan proactively so you won’t lose time if you find yourself in that situation.”

“DRIVE AWARE, GET THERE”
HOW TO DRIVE AT NIGHT

• No matter the time of day, drivers should drive defensively. That means being constantly aware of driving conditions, your surroundings and anticipating dangers so you can take evasive action if you encounter a hazard, such as a wrong-way driver.
• Don’t tailgate. Leave enough space so if the vehicle in front of you makes a sudden lane change to avoid a wrong-way driver, you’ll have time to react, too.
• Be aware of your surroundings. While wrong-way drivers are often in the left or HOV lane, they enter highways from the right via off-ramps. Because they are often impaired, their movements are unpredictable.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ENCOUNTER A WRONG-WAY VEHICLE

• If you’re on a divided highway – like I-17, SR 51, US 60 or any freeway in Phoenix and all interstates – and you see a vehicle coming toward you, slow down by easing your foot off the gas.
• Make sure there’s no vehicle next to you and steer away from the wrong-way driver.
• Get to a safe place, call 911 and report the wrong-way driver. 

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SEE A SIGN WARNING OF A WRONG-WAY VEHICLE

• When ADOT is alerted to a possible wrong-way driver, overhead messages boards on that stretch of freeway will display the message, “Alert, wrong-way driver ahead.”
• If you see that message, safely move toward the nearest highway exit on the right side of the highway as soon as possible.

WHAT YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW

• Have a plan in mind, so if you encounter a wrong-way driver you won’t waste a moment that could save your life.
• Never drive distracted or impaired.
• And never let an impaired driver get behind the wheel. Most wrong-way crashes are caused by impaired drivers. It’s up to all of us to keep impaired drivers off our roads.

“Driving defensively and not distracted will help keep drivers safer,” said Alberto Gutier, Director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. “All of us – ADOT, DPS, GOHS and the people of Arizona – are in this together to stop impaired drivers from making our roads dangerous.”

ADOT is nearing completion of a pilot-project thermal detection system, which will detect wrong-way vehicles and alert others drivers and law enforcement of them on a 15-mile stretch of Interstate 17 in Phoenix. When the system detects a wrong-way vehicle, a flashing sign will illuminate on the off-ramp in an attempt to get the attention of the wrong-way driver. Additionally, the detection will automatically focus highway cameras on the wrong-way vehicle and send automated alerts to the Highway Patrol, helping troopers intercept the vehicle faster. The detection will also activate “wrong-way driver ahead” messages on overhead signs, giving motorists a chance to exit the freeway, and ramp meters will show a constant red signal, keeping motorists from entering the freeway.

Prior to construction of the detection system, ADOT installed hundreds of larger and lowered “Wrong Way” and “Do Not Enter” signs on highway ramps. Also, white “right way” arrows were placed on off-ramps and glow bright red to a driver going wrong-way on the ramp.

More information on “Drive Aware, Get There” can be found at azdot.gov/wrongway.