Kentucky is set to launch a pilot program to prevent wrong-way crashes on interstate highways, with a project that has been in development for over two years. The Wrong-Way Driving and Integrated Safety Technology System will deter and detect wrong-way drivers, following a grant from the Federal Highway Administration’s Advanced Transportation and Congestion Management Technologies Deployment program.
Wrong-way crashes have been a significant issue in Kentucky, with 216 crashes involving wrong-way drivers since 2015 resulting in 69 deaths and 80 serious injuries. The pilot program, starting in Fayette and Jefferson counties, aims to improve interstate highway safety using innovative solutions to prevent such incidents.
The system will consist of four elements, including detection and deterrent systems, alerting other drivers of wrong-way drivers, and notifying first responders of the situation. The program will utilize various technologies such as cameras, radar, and LiDAR to identify and react to wrong-way drivers in real-time.
Locations for testing the technology have been identified based on crash history and ramp design in Fayette and Jefferson counties, with plans to expand to other counties throughout the state. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is working to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of the system, with a focus on improving public safety on the roads.
The pilot program is expected to bring a significant improvement in alerting first responders and other drivers of wrong-way drivers, with the goal of reducing the number of wrong-way crashes in Kentucky. Through this innovative project, Kentucky is taking proactive steps to enhance safety on its interstate highways.
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