FDOT, FHP launching new initiative to crackdown on wrong way drivers
MIAMI - In an effort to cut down on crashes caused by drivers heading the wrong way, the Florida Department of Transportation is launching a new initiative.
The department will be installing new signs and markings on exit ramps to expressways in Miami-Dade where most wrong-way accidents begin or occur.
There will also be wrong-way detection cameras.
"The wrong way-vehicle detection system will provide dual zones for both wrong-way detection and camera verifications, one forward-facing detector to detect incoming vehicles, and the other rear-facing detector to detect departing vehicles," said FDOT District Six Secretary Stacy Miller.
According to the FDOT, a majority of wrong-way crashes happen between midnight and 6 a.m. They often involve impaired drivers. Most wrong-way crashes happen on the weekend.
Wrong-way crashes usually involve multiple vehicles.
Gary Catronio got the ball rolling on these wrong-way detection systems. His daughter Marisa and her friend Kaitlyn were killed by a wrong-way driver on the Sawgrass Expressway in 2013.
He started a group called "Marisa's Way" to combat the problem of wrong-way drivers by getting detection systems on highway off-ramps.
"As we stand to date, our numbers are at a 95% success rate. So, we're totally astounded at the success of the wrong-way signs and that we're able to save as many lives as we have," he said.
Troopers tell us there's a good rule of thumb for driving after dark when many wrong-way crashes happen, "keep right at night."
"I know I encourage my family and friends when you're traveling highways at night, stay in the right lanes," said FHP Major Roger Reyes. "The reason why the discussion is to stay to the right lane, statistically, it's been proven that a wrong-way driver, who is typically impaired, is traveling on those inside lanes.
Miami-Dade has the most wrong-way crashes in the state - with 216 in 2021. Thirteen were fatal. In Broward, there were 138 with 6 deaths.
So far 11 highway off-ramps are scheduled for upgrades. After that is complete in the fall there are 84 more to go in Miami-Dade. Similar projects are underway in Broward and around the state.
Over the last five years, there have been 280 wrong-way crashes. More than half resulted in injury and nearly 20 percent resulted in at least one death.