Caltrans To Monitor Wrong-Way Drivers
Wrong-way accidents are becoming more common as the incidents of distracted driving continue to increase. Drivers who are distracted are more likely to drive the wrong-way compared to drivers who remain alert and focused. While there may be some reasons for wrong-way accidents that are not related to distracted driving, such as medical emergencies or confusing road signs, most wrong-way accidents are the result of distracted driving.
Caltrans’s Wrong-way Detection System
A two-year pilot program by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is being conducted in San Diego and Sacramento. The program is in response to wrong-way accidents that cause fatalities and injuries on California roads. The program is designed to collect data for traffic-safety researchers in addition to helping reduce and prevent wrong-way accidents.
The three components of the new program are:
Alerting Drivers Who Are Driving on The Wrong Side of The Road
In areas where wrong-way accidents are more common or wrong-way accidents are more likely to occur, Caltrans is installing additional red reflective markers on the pavement to alert drivers they are driving in the wrong direction. In addition to the reflectors, a second set of wrong-way signs equipped with red flashing lights alert drivers who are traveling in the wrong direction. By alerting drivers, Caltrans hopes to give drivers time to correct their error before a wrong-way crash occurs.
Detecting Wrong-way Drivers
In addition to installing new warning systems for wrong-way drivers, Caltrans is also using a wrong-way detection system to alert traffic management centers of a wrong-way driver in real time. The system also snaps a photograph of the wrong-way driver when it alerts the traffic center. The warning system is designed to give first responders as much time as possible to respond to a wrong-way driver to prevent an accident from happening.
Data Collection
In addition to working to prevent or reduce the number of wrong-way accidents, Caltrans will collect data for researchers to use to determine why wrong-way driving occurs and the best way to prevent wrong-way driving. The data will help researchers determine the next steps state officials should take to combat wrong-way driving accidents.
Contact A Fresno Car Accident for More Information
If you or a loved one has been injured in a wrong-way driving accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation from the driver who caused the crash. Injuries from wrong-way accidents can result in substantial financial damages. You are entitled to be reimbursed for your actual out-of-pocket expenses, including medical bills and lost wages, as well as your non-financial damages such as physical pain and emotional suffering.
Contact our Fresno car accident attorneys by calling (888) 500-5000for a free consultation. You may also contact Torem & Associates by using our online contact form. It does not cost you anything to get an attorney’s advice. You have a limited time to file a claim for your car accident — don’t wait until it is too late to hold a careless or negligent driver responsible for the damage he or she caused you and your family.
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