Wisconsin Deploys AI-Powered Wrong-Way Driving Detection System

Key Takeaways

• The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is expanding the use of detection and alert systems to prevent wrong-way driving on freeways.
• Wrong-way crashes are rare but often severe, typically involving multiple vehicles at high speeds and frequently caused by impaired drivers.
• WisDOT has installed 10 additional wrong-way driver alert systems across the state, including three in Dane County.
• The technology alerts drivers, WisDOT’s traffic management center, and law enforcement, allowing for quick response and warning of other drivers.
• Driver behavior plays a significant role in preventing wrong-way crashes, and WisDOT encourages drivers to drive sober, buckle up, and follow signs.

Introduction to Wrong-Way Driving Safety Initiative
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has launched a statewide wrong-way driving safety initiative to prevent crashes caused by drivers entering freeways in the wrong direction. According to WisDOT officials, wrong-way crashes are rare but often severe, typically involving multiple vehicles at high speeds. Brian Porter, traffic engineering and safety section chief at WisDOT, emphasized the importance of addressing this issue, stating that these crashes are "very tragic" and "often severe crashes, multiple drivers." The initiative aims to reduce the number of wrong-way crashes, which account for about 1 to 2% of total fatalities statewide.

Causes of Wrong-Way Crashes
Data shows that most wrong-way crashes occur late at night and frequently involve impaired drivers, particularly on freeways and divided highways. Porter noted that "a majority of the wrong way crashes we see does have impairment," highlighting the need for drivers to drive sober. The severity of wrong-way crashes is a major concern, and WisDOT is working to prevent these crashes through a combination of engineering solutions and public awareness campaigns. By understanding the causes of wrong-way crashes, WisDOT can target its efforts to reduce the number of these tragic incidents.

Expansion of Wrong-Way Detection Systems
As part of the initiative, WisDOT has installed 10 additional wrong-way driver alert systems across the state. Three of these systems are located in Dane County, including one along the Beltline, one near East Washington Avenue and Highway 30, and one in the Middleton area. The systems use radar and cameras to detect wrong-way drivers and trigger alerts, including oversized "do not enter" signs and LED borders. The technology also alerts WisDOT’s traffic management center and law enforcement, allowing officials to warn other drivers and respond quickly to prevent crashes.

How the Detection Systems Work
The wrong-way detection systems are designed to alert drivers and authorities quickly and effectively. When a driver approaches a ramp and enters the freeway in the wrong direction, the system is triggered, and the driver will see two large "do not enter" signs and two large "wrong way" signs with LED borders. The system also alerts WisDOT’s traffic management center, which can activate message boards on nearby freeways to warn other drivers of the wrong-way vehicle. Additionally, law enforcement is notified, allowing them to respond quickly to the situation and prevent a potential crash.

Prevention and Response
While the detection systems are an important part of the initiative, WisDOT emphasizes that driver behavior plays a significant role in preventing wrong-way crashes. Porter stressed that "WisDOT’s doing what we can to better engineer our roads, but obviously the driver plays a big role here." Drivers can help prevent wrong-way crashes by driving sober, buckling up, and following signs. If a driver encounters a wrong-way vehicle, they should use caution, reduce their speed, and safely move their vehicle to an area away from the wrong-way vehicle. They should also call 911 and report the location of the wrong-way driver, allowing authorities to respond quickly and prevent a potential crash.

Future Plans and Evaluation
WisDOT continues to monitor crash data and evaluate where additional wrong-way detection systems could be installed in the future. The agency is committed to reducing the number of wrong-way crashes and preventing the tragic consequences of these incidents. By combining engineering solutions with public awareness campaigns and education, WisDOT aims to make Wisconsin’s roads safer for all drivers. As the initiative continues to evolve, WisDOT will assess its effectiveness and make adjustments as needed to ensure that the state’s roads are as safe as possible.