In the last 10 years, 91 people have been killed as a result of wrong-way drivers in Arizona.
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is planning to test a sensor detection system to sense vehicles going the wrong way. Crashes have occurred along the I-17, that’s where the vehicle detection system will start.
The sensors will provide alerts to state troopers, and will post warnings on overhead message boards.
The number of wrong way crashes has also resulted in the installation of hundreds of larger and lower “wrong way” and “do not enter” signs on more than 100 freeway ramps.
Approximately 65% of the 245 wrong way driver crashes from 2000 through 2014 in Arizona were caused by impaired drivers.
The crashes are more common after dark, on weekends, and on a portion of I-17 in the Phoenix area.
The rural highway with the highest rate of wrong-way crashes was SR 89 A in the Verde Valley in Yavapai County.
Most wrong-way drivers are males, between ages 16 to 35.