1. FDOT Research concerning the detection, mitigation, and prevention of wrong way crashes
Darryll Dockstader
Florida Department of Transportation

2. Project Background
: 1,173 wrong way crashes in Florida
164 fatalities and 1,322 injuries
Supermajority of these drivers are young and impaired by alcohol, drugs, or both
The second most demographic of wrong-way drivers are older, who commit wrong-way turns during the day at unfamiliar or confusing intersections.

3. Total crashes and fatalities is on all roads in FL
WWD crashes and fatalities on all roads in FL (does not include cross-median, cross-centerline crashes).

4. Total crashes and fatalities is on all roads in FL
WWD crashes and fatalities are only for controlled access highways.

5. Statewide Wrong Way Crash Study
Driving Simulator Studies of the Effectiveness of Countermeasures to Prevent Wrong Way Crashes
Turnpike Pilot Project to Install LED Bordered Wrong Way Signs
Evaluation of the Red Rectangular Flashing Beacon (RRFB) Implementation

6. Statewide Wrong Way Crash Study
Analyze trends and contributing factors surrounding wrong way driving on freeways and expressways
During the study period ( ):
71% of wrong-way crashes occur in dark conditions
45% of crashes involved alcohol or drug impaired drivers
42% of wrong-way drivers are less than 30 years old
Wrong-way entrances by interchange type were consistent with their distribution across the state
Three differing levels of countermeasures were recommended
Minimum signage, increased signage, dynamic ITS
Level 1: current MUTCD and FDOT signage requirements
Level 2: enhanced signage
Additional signs, larger signs, retroreflective strips, guide line stripes, shield pavement markings, extending median noses, shaped medians, wrong way signs on back of existing structures (i.e. toll booth)
Level 3: ITS
Red flashies, blinkes, flashing RPMs, integration with TMCs, connected vehicle applications

7. Driving Simulator Studies of the Effectiveness of Countermeasures to Prevent Wrong Way Crashes
Understand the human factors element associated with wrong-way crashes
Younger and older drivers identified entrance and exit ramps from a series of photographs shown briefly
As the number of different types of countermeasures present increased, participants correctly identified exit and entrance ramps more often.
The presence of other vehicles was the cue cited most frequently by participants.
In a driving simulator, participants used two scenarios:
Intersection with MUTCD signage only: 4 of 120 participants made wrong-way entrances (3 in a left turn, 1 in a right turn)
Intersection with signage recommendations from previous study: no participants made wrong-way entrances

8. Driving Simulator Studies of the Effectiveness of Countermeasures to Prevent Wrong Way Crashes
Understand the human factors element associated with wrong-way crashes
Simulator results show 6 to 7 signs are most effective at correcting driver behavior.
Additional research is being contracted to determine the exact placement and configuration of signs which have the greatest impact.

9. Turnpike Pilot Project to Install LED Bordered Wrong Way Signs
Pilot wrong-way signs bordered with LED lights that flash red on detection of a wrong-way entrance
TAPCO Blinker signs installed on 17 exit locations along the Florida Turnpike and Sawgrass Expressway in South Florida
A BlinkLink Alert CCTV system snaps a picture of the driver when the system is activated and alerts the Traffic Management Center, the FDOT ITS Office, and the Florida Highway Patrol.
From Oct 2014 to June 2016, 31 people have attempted a wrong way entrance.
29 drivers self-corrected in the vicinity of the signs (94% of attempts!)
1 was intercepted by law enforcement
1 resulted in a fatal crash
A photo of a wrong-way driver detected by the BlinkLink System

10. Evaluation of the Red Rectangular Flashing Beacon (RRFB) Implementation
Evaluate the effects of RRFBs on wrong-way drivers and drivers in the adjacent roadways
RRFBs alert the driver with a radar-activated flashing beacon and sends a picture of the vehicle to local law enforcement and the Traffic Management Center
Beacons installed at six intersections along interstate entrance and exit ramps in the Tampa area
Anecdotal evidence suggests a high level of effectiveness and additional sites are being evaluated for installation of RRFBs.
Video capability is also being added to existing RRFB sites.

11. The known unknowns
These studies suggest that we are moving in the right direction. But there is still much we don’t know.
What is the true extent of the problem?
With limited resources, what combination of signage and ITS is most effective?
In-progress joint research project with USF, FIU, and FSU:
Analysis of pilot projects and results
Field testing and evaluation of countermeasures
Assessment and comparison of perceived effectiveness through public opinion surveys
Further simulator studies and human factors assessment

12. For More Information Statewide Wrong Way Driving Study
pdf
Driving Simulator Studies of the Effectiveness of Countermeasures to Prevent Wrong Way Crashes
Turnpike Pilot Project to Install LED Bordered Wrong Way Signs
Evaluation of the Red Rectangular Flashing Beacon (RRFB) Implementation

13. Any Questions?
Darryll Dockstader
FDOT Research Center