With At Least 14 Dead In Wrong-Way Crashes in 2015, Caltrans Looking For Solutions
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Two people died in a head-on crash on Highway 50 in what could is potentially the region's fifth wrong-way crash in 2015.
The California Highway Patrol is still investigating the crash, and has not concluded the crash was the result of a wrong-way driver.
RELATED: Four wrong-way crashes kill 14 so far in 2015.
But in the other four head-on crashes that were the result of a wrong-way driver, 14 people have died, leading many to wonder what can be done to save more lives.
"I don't know if it's just a coincidence or maybe there's some more things that need to be worked on, on the roads—more lights or signs or something, because it seems weird all these are happening all at once," said driver Katrina Delgado.
In general, wrong-way crashes are rare—only 0.1 percent of fatal collisions according to Caltrans. But with more than a dozen dead on local roadways, there's urgency to figure something out and soon.
"Basically everything is on the table," Caltrans spokeswoman Vanessa Wiseman said. "We're looking at every option out there."
She says the agency is looking at on-ramp detection devices that would alert the CHP when someone gets on the freeway the wrong way, flashing lights on the back of freeway signs to alert a wrong-way driver, or additional signs and lighting.
"Basically, options to get the attention of the driver they're going the wrong way, or ...notify law enforcement or potentially notify other drivers that there's a wrong way driver coming," she said.
The agency is reaching out to other states to find out what methods have proven the most effective. Cost is also a concern, as the on-ramp detection devices cost $40,000 apiece. With 200 onramps in the Sacramento already alone, the cost would be steep.
