A Data-Driven Approach to Implementing Wrong-way Driving Countermeasures

Wrong-way driving (WWD) crashes are rare and random, and hence, a system-wide deployment of WWD countermeasures requires careful consideration. An actionable and implementable plan is essential to systemically and strategically deploy WWD countermeasures at all the 1,642 off-ramp locations across Florida. It is therefore critical to identify the most suitable countermeasures at each of these off-ramps such that they yield the maximum benefit. The objective of this research was to develop a demographics-based methodology to identify regions that possess a combination of pre-conditions for increased likelihood of WWD incidents. This research has proactively identified the most predominant factor that could potentially contribute to the occurrence of WWD incidents at each off-ramp in Florida. The analysis focused on addressing the following factors that were considered to affect the occurrence of WWD incidents: impaired drivers, drivers aged 65 years and older, and tourists. The analysis was based on 6,880 WWD crashes that occurred in Florida from 2011-2015, demographic data obtained from the 2015 Census Block Groups dataset, and land-use data obtained from the 2015 Florida Parcel Land-use dataset. The analysis results indicated that the density of alcohol sales establishments was highly associated with the WWD crashes involving impaired drivers. The relationship between the facilities that attract drivers aged 65 years and older, such as senior population and health facilities and the WWD crashes involving drivers aged 65 years and older was found to be somewhat associative. No observable relationship was found between the density of tourist facilities and WWD crashes involving tourists. Finally, the study results were used to identify the most predominant factor that could potentially contribute to the occurrence of WWD incidents at each of the off-ramps in Florida. A combination of red rectangular rapid flashing beacons (Red-RRFBs) and internally illuminated raised pavement markers (iiRPMs) could be considered to address the issue of impaired drivers. A combination of Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights surrounding the Wrong Way signs and iiRPMs could be considered to accommodate the drivers aged 65 years and older. Finally, either Red-RRFBs or LED lights surrounding the Wrong Way signs could assist tourist drivers. In addition to the aforementioned countermeasures, new signing and pavement markings (S&PM) could be considered at all the off-ramps. Findings from this study provide guidance to proactively deploy WWD countermeasures at all the off-ramps in Florida.

• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/58001
• Corporate Authors:

  Florida International University, Miami

  Lehman Center for Transportation Research
  Miami, FL  United States 

  Hagen Consulting Services

  361 Strawder Road
  Ray City, GA  United States  31645

  Florida Department of Transportation

  605 Suwannee Street
  Tallahassee, FL  United States  32399-0450
• Authors:
  • Alluri, Priyanka
  • Wu, Wanyang
  • Nafis, Sajidur
  • Hagen, Larry
• Publication Date: 2018-11

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Maps; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 131p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Countermeasures; Demographics; Off ramps; Wrong way driving
• Geographic Terms: Florida
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01785790
• Record Type: Publication
• Contract Numbers: BDV29-977-36
• Files: NTL, TRIS, ATRI, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Oct 26 2021 11:16AM