wrong-way driving task force ntta’s efforts in north texas...wwd task force key findings •...

Wrong-Way Driving Task Force NTTA’s Efforts in North Texas Presented to: 2011 Transportation Short Course Eric Hemphill, P.E. Assistant Director of Maintenance Operations North Texas Tollway Authority October 12, 2011

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Introduction • The NTTA Roadway System

– Currently 98 center-line miles and growing • Primarily divided high-speed roadway

– Frontage roads – 166 Exit Ramps

• Traffic Characteristics – Principally used by commuters traveling between the

growing suburbs and various business districts – Steady traffic growth – High operating speeds on main lanes – Conversion to all Electronic Toll Collection (ETC)

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WWD Task Force Key Findings • Overall crash rates on lower than those on other

Texas Interstate Highways (per 100 million VMT in 2008) – State-wide 105 – DNT 87 – PGBT 59

• Wrong Way Drivers accounted for a small percentage of the overall accidents (0.6%)

• High frequency of Wrong Way incidents during the first half of 2009 (5 in 6 accidents) – Only 2 during the second half of 2009

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WWD Task Force Key Findings • Driver impairment is the overriding factor

– All WWD crashes in 2008 & 2009 involved one or more intoxicated drivers

• 94% of NTTA WWD crashes from 2007 to 2009 occurred between 11:00 PM & 4:00 AM (15 of 16)

• No consistent correlation between WWD and a particular roadway section or configuration

• All countermeasures evaluated have limitations • Worldwide long term problem

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WWD Task Force Recommendations

• Three-pronged approach – Engineering – Enforcement – Education

• Continued assessment and deployment of feasible countermeasures

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Implementation • Process Enhancements • Reflective Tape on Sign Post • RPM Arrows • LED Enhanced Signs • Modified Pavement Markings • Adjustments to intersection signage • Roadway intersection configurations • Lowered Wrong Way and Do Not Enter Signage • Loop Detection • Law Enforcement and MADD Partnerships

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Process Enhancements

• Implemented the Field Condition Checklist – Developed by TTI

• Increased inspection frequency of signs • Updated design standards

– Specific countermeasures on all future designs • Task Force stays active and meets regularly • Maintain open communication

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Reflective Tape and RPMs

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Reflective Tape and RPMs

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LED Enhanced Signs

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Modified Pavement Markings

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Modified Pavement Markings

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Signage Modification

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Layout Improvements

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Brown St

Layout Improvements

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Lowered Signs

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Lowered Signs

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Lowered Signs

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Lowered Signs

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Lowered Signs

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Loop Detection

ALERT SENT TO COMMAND CENTER

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Enforcement • DPS Enforcement

– Immediate response to detections or reported incident

– Quarterly DUI Task Force • Command Center

– Constant monitoring and prompt dispatching

– Video verification – Agency coordination

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Summary of Wrong Way Crashes on NTTA Roadways - 2009

Fatal Crash

Non-fatal Crash

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Fatal Crash Non-fatal Crash No Crash

Summary of Reported Incidents Total – 39 (26 confirmed) 67% Video 33% Loop Detection 36% DPS/Police 82% Phone Call 10% Crash

Summary of Wrong Way Incidents on NTTA Roadways - 2010

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Summary • Wrong Way Driving is a world wide issue • NTTA is proactively working to reduce incidents

• Engineering • Enforcement • Education

• Since the implementation of various countermeasures in the second half of 2009, WWD crashes have decreased significantly and with no a fatalities

• Cooperating with other entities for solutions

The mission of the North Texas Tollway Authority is to enhance mobility through responsible

and innovative tolling solutions.