NEWINGTON, Conn. — The Connecticut Department of Transportation(DOT) announced this week it is planning to install detection systems at 27 additional locations in eastern Connecticut. There are more than 25 locations already equipped with this technology in various parts of the state.
“If a wrong-way driver doesn't stop, if they don't course correct, and they continue on that highway in the wrong direction those alerts will go out and hopefully allow a trooper to intercept that vehicle before the crash and kill themselves or somebody else,” said Josh Morgan, a spokesperson for the DOT.
Wrong-way driving deaths went up 500% in Connecticut in 2022 from the year prior. In 2023 there have been six deaths related to wrong-way crashes so far. Morgan said the data shows most wrong-way crashes have one thing in common.
“The data shows that nine out of 10 wrong-way drivers are found to be impaired by alcohol, so that tells us something. If the public were driving sober each and every time looking at those signs and paying attention, we could really see a huge reduction in these crashes,” said Morgan.
The project is expected to be designed by March 2024, and be awarded to a contractor by May 2024. Installations will occur throughout the year.
Once operational, the DOT will begin an advertising campaign to help educate drivers.
“It’s just to remind people with some of this imagery and with some of that audio that these are not fender benders these are not gentle crashes they are horrific, and we're showing that to the public to remind them that their actions have consequences and the importance of them following the rules of the road and driving sober,” said Morgan.
Click here for a full list of locations that will be getting the new detection system in the coming months.
Jake Garcia is a multimedia journalist for FOX61 News. He can be reached at jgarcia@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
---
Have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com
----
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.