First wrong-way driving detection system placed in Fairfield
It's one of 105 detection systems that are online across the state and can be found at Exit 21 on I-95 South.
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The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has activated the first BlinkLink Wrong Way Driving Detection System in Fairfield.
It's one of 105 detection systems that are online across the state and can be found at Exit 21 on I-95 South.
RELATED: Connecticut DOT works on new preventative measures for wrong-way driving
"If a driver is entering the highway in the wrong direction, lights in the wrong direction will start flashing red as visual cue that they're going the wrong way," explained Josh Morgan, CTDOT's communications director, "We pull up our traffic cameras and monitor did that vehicle turn around or did they continue on the highway in the wrong direction."
In 2024, there have been a total of six wrong-way crashes, resulting in 13 fatalities.
RELATED: Officials: 2024 wrong-way crash deaths in CT already surpass 2023
Morgan says 236 ramps have been preidentified as high risk, "meaning that they are close to bars, restaurants, hotels, places that are serving alcohol. Or high risk because the on ramp and off ramp are right next to each other."
Exit 21 on I-95 is near Post Road which has many businesses and has its on-and-off ramp beside each other.
"These systems have proven to be effective," said Morgan, "we've seen more than 100 cars travel onto the highway in the wrong direction, activate the system, stop and turn around. So those are at least 100 lives saved in our opinion."
DOT says by the end of this year more than 120 of the systems will be in place and another 100 more in 2025.
