The Arizona Department of Transportation is looking at new ways to prevent wrong-way crashes. Their newest research involves some cool technology — radar-based detectors.
The wrong-way detection devices and warning systems are part of an ongoing study, according to azfamily.com.
Currently, the detectors are being tested at along the loop 101 at two off-ramps. They will continue testing throughout the Valley before making permanent changes.
“What we have to focus on is both detecting a wrong-way vehicle, how fast, and can we plug that potentially into a warning system,” spokesman Doug Nintzel told azfamily.com.
When the radar picks up a vehicle going the wrong way, the information is sent to ADOT, DPS, and potentially other drivers going the right direction on the freeway, as a warning.
ADOT has previously installed over 500 signs that warn drivers they are going in the wrong direction at off-ramps around the Valley.
ADOT told AZTB that they will be more willing to talk about the new technology later in the summer.
