Kentucky is launching a pilot program to reduce wrong-way driving incidents using a new detection system and integrated safety technology system. The program will be implemented in Fayette and Jefferson counties, where these incidents are most prevalent. This initiative comes because of very dark statistics. Since 2015, there have been 216 accidents due to driving in the opposite direction. These caused 69 deaths and 80 serious injuries.
The project was also partially funded by $5.14 million in federal grants. The system will integrate cameras, video analytics and motion detection technology such as radar and LiDAR. This should help detect wrong-way vehicles in real time. When the vehicle is detected to be driving in the wrong direction, the system activates deterrents such as warnings to the offending driver and warnings to other drivers, as well as emergency services.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KITC) is also testing additional safety measures such as pedestrian, debris and impaired driver vehicle identification through its main surveillance system. In the pilot phase, the accuracy of the technology will be evaluated at five locations, comparing solutions from different suppliers.
Using this innovative technology, Kentucky hopes to improve highway safety. The goals are to prevent collisions due to driving in the wrong direction.. If successful, this system could be expanded to other regions, solving similar problems across the country.
