The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) recently activated the 300th of 400 planned wrong-way driver detection systems on the Route 571 Exit 1 off-ramp in New Britain.
“When a driver self-corrects before entering the highway in the wrong direction, it shows how this technology is helping to prevent dangerous situations from becoming tragedies,” Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said. “While this technology is an important tool, we also need drivers to do their part. Pay attention, look for the signs, and always drive sober. These are simple actions that can help keep people safe.”
The systems use cameras to detect vehicles traveling in the wrong direction with the goal of preventing wrong-way entries, improving response times and gathering reliable data. Wrong-way signs are activated and begin flashing if a vehicle is detected to alert the driver. The system also alerts CTDOT’s Highway Operations Centers and the Connecticut State Police.
The program launched in December 2023 and has successfully alerted and turned around more than 1,000 drivers. This compares to 2022 when there were 13 wrong-way crashes and 23 fatalities. In addition, there has been a statewide reduction in the number of wrong-way crashes and fatalities.