News 8
Institute plans to examine wrong-way crashes 
10:40 AM CST on Wednesday, November 4, 2009
DALLAS — The consequences of wrong-way crashes go beyond mangled cars — families are destroyed.
The problem has captured the interest of traffic researchers and News 8 has learned that more changes could be on the way to prevent wrong-way crashes in North Texas.
“They are very severe and often it's the innocent motorist that gets the bad end of the deal,” said Scott Cooner of the Texas Transportation Institute.
TTI wants to study the issue and analyze safety measures, including reducing the height of "Wrong Way" and "Do Not Enter" signs. TTI made that recommendation five years ago in a similar study, but it was never put to the test.
“We'll be looking at crash testing of lower signs to make sure that it doesn't increase the risk of the driver who may hit them,” Cooner said.
TTI hopes to get the green light for the study next month.
The North Texas Tollway Authority is also looking into researching lower signs after at least eight wrong-way crashes on the Dallas North Tollway in 2009. Four people have died.
The Texas Department of Transportation says other highways have seen similar incidents this year:
• Highway 121: Six wrong-way crashes this year; one fatality
• Interstate 35W: Five wrong-way crashes
• Interstate 635: Four wrong-way crashes
• U.S. 75: Three wrong-way crashes
But the four fatalities on the Dallas North Tollway make this the deadliest year for wrong-way crashes in the highway's history.
The Tollway Authority is already considering extending concrete medians to try and keep misguided drivers from entering the exit at Wycliff Avenue in Dallas. The median would be extended by 45 feet on both sides, which could make the illegal turn even more difficult.
The agency has already installed new signs at exit ramps and additional reflective markers on streets to help point drivers in the right direction.
Now, the NTTA's task force plans to launch a pilot program to test sensors that can detect when a driver enters the wrong way at two locations in the system. The locations have not been identified, but — according to the Tollway Authority — the program is expected to start around January of next year.
E-mail mdiaz@wfaa.com
