NC organization to develop, test wrong way driver prevention technology

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A new technology could save lives by preventing wrong way crashes and it could soon come to the Charlotte area.

Over the last year, the North Carolina Turnpike Authority has been developing and testing the new technology on the Triangle Expressway.

[ [ALSO READ: 9 investigates: Why are there so many wrong-way crashes on I-485?] ]

They plan to install the technology on the Monroe Expressway in the near future.

It uses lane striping and flashing red lights on signs to alert drivers who try to enter the highway from the wrong direction.

The system also alerts authorities in case drivers do not stop.

This will give law enforcement the head start they currently do not have in these cases. The technology could have an impact across the country.

[ [ALSO READ: Wrong-way driver caused fiery fatal crash on I-485, troopers say] ]

"We're keeping people safe. We're making our facilities safer and we're building a knowledge base that can be used by others to do the same across the country," Beau Memory, Executive Director of the NC Turnpike Authority said.

Four wrong way drivers have triggered the alert during testing on the Triangle Expressway. All of them turned around.

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Last year, Channel 9 reported a trend of wrong way crashes on Interstate 485.

Troopers said they often can't determine exactly where a wrong way driver got on the interstate. They also said interchanges could use extra signage and pavement markings to cut down on confusion.

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