Like many states, Arizona sees its share of traffic accidents caused by motorists going the wrong way on a major highway. Many wrong-way drivers are under the influence during these incidents and the outcome often has fatal results. It’s not uncommon for a Phoenix wrongful death attorney to become involved when a fatality occurs. After an exhaustive 2015 review, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is rolling out a new alert system in an attempt to better protect motorists from wrong-way drivers.
How the Arizona Wrong Way Driver Alert System Works
Many other states have grappled with finding a solution to the same problem. After looking at previous efforts and doing their own in-depth study, ADOT is installing a wrong-way vehicle detection system that’s been dubbed the first in the nation.
The system will cover a 15-mile stretch along I-17 and use strategically-placed thermal cameras. These cameras detect when a vehicle driving the wrong way enters an off-ramp. Once the vehicle enters the ramp, it will trigger a wrong-way sign automatically. This sign then lights up and flashes to try to grab the driver’s attention. It also immediately alerts ADOT and the Department of Public Safety (DPS). This is much faster than waiting for a 911 call from other drivers.
A notice also appears on an overhead message board alerting motorists in the path of the wrong-way driver of the immediate danger. By giving other drivers a warning, car makers hope it will reduce the frequency of fatal crashes. By early 2018, the system should be fully operational.
What ADOT Hopes to Eliminate
Sadly, wrong-way accidents has been a big problem, not only in Phoenix, but throughout the state of Arizona. In ADOT’s report covering the development of a prototype to detect and prevent wrong-way drivers, key patterns in 269 wrong-way crashes included:
- One-quarter of wrong-way accidents are fatal, compared to only one percent of other accidents that take place on divided highways.
- Two-thirds of the wrong-way drivers were under the influence of booze and/or drugs.
- Impaired drivers are 13 times more likely to cause a wrong-way crash when compared to other car crashes.
- The most common time for wrong-way crashes is after 2 a.m., especially Saturday night/Sunday morning.
- Two-thirds of the wrong-way drivers were men, with the majority of drivers between 26 and 35 years old.
- The most common site for wrong-way accidents in Arizona is I-17.
DPS has received 1,078 calls reporting wrong-way drivers since the start of 2017. Two recent wrong-way accidents reinforced the data that I-17 continues to be a problem area.
On August 15, bystanders not only pulled a wrong-way driver, but also, three other injured people from the vehicle he struck after a head-collision on I-17 north of Phoenix.
By the time officers arrived, both cars were on fire and all four individuals were on their way to the hospital for medical treatment. It was the 69th wrong-way crash of 2017.
Even worse, was the August 18, 2017 crash on I-17 south of Flagstaff in which a wrong-way driver killed four people in a head-on collision with another vehicle. The four victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while the injured wrong-way driver was transported to the hospital.
Hire a Top Phoenix Wrongful Death Attorney
If a loved one has been killed in any type of car accident, you may need the services of a skilled Phoenix wrongful death attorney. At Lerner & Rowe, we have the experience and compassion to help and offer free consultations and no fees unless you win.
Our regular office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. But we’re available 24/7 to take your call at (602) 977-1900, or use our convenient LiveChat online.