Forward of Memorial Day weekend, Caltrans and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) launched a wrong-way driver prevention marketing campaign Tuesday in San Diego County to cut back lethal incidents.
On common, 37 persons are killed annually in wrong-way crashes on California roads, in line with the marketing campaign. In 2019, there have been 248 wrong-way crashes on state highways. Virtually half of the concerned drivers had been below the affect of medicine or alcohol.
“This marketing campaign addresses impaired driving because the frequent reason for wrong-way collisions, and we hope to considerably scale back crashes involving wrong-way drivers and different impaired drivers by enhancing public consciousness,” mentioned Caltrans District 11 Director Gustavo Dallarda.
In San Diego, the variety of wrong-way drivers decreased by 44% throughout Caltrans’ initial pilot program that put in specialised reflectors, sensors and illuminated indicators in 2018, in line with the marketing campaign.
The division has allotted almost $9 million towards wrong-way driver prevention upgrades like pink pavement reflectors and bigger wrong-way warning indicators on 74 freeway ramps all through San Diego County.
California Freeway Patrol and Caltrans officers suggest when you see a wrong-way driver:
- Transfer as rapidly and as safely out of the best way as potential. As quickly as it’s protected to take action, name 911 and report the driving force.
- Whereas driving, preserve a excessive visible horizon to scan the surroundings on the highway far forward of the place you might be driving. This will increase your capability to see roadway hazards far forward and safely get out of the best way.
- Hold your headlights on at night time. If a wrong-way driver sees headlights, they may notice they’re going the unsuitable approach.
- Most significantly, keep away from distractions, listen, and don’t drink and drive.
