Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has announced that wrong-way driving detection technology installed a year ago has helped in curbing wrong-way crashes.

The transport department, working with the Rhode Island State Police, had identified 24-high-risk locations, and installed the new technology in these areas that include ramps along I-95, I-195, Route 146, Route 10, Route 4, Route 6 and Route 6/10.

These detectors identify vehicles travelling in the wrong direction and then accordingly notifies both the driver and RIDOT.

"Even if the systems only prevented one wrong-way crash and the serious injuries or deaths that could have resulted, this programme has proven to be a wise investment."

Once the system detects a vehicle driving in the wrong direction, signals equipped with LED lights start flashing and if the driver does not pay heed, then the information is transmitted to the state and local police. A message is displayed on the state’s overhead electronic signs that warn other drivers of a vehicle travelling in the wrong direction.

The wrong-way detection systems were installed at a cost $600,000 as part of $2m investment to upgrade signing and striping at 145 locations across the state, as well as improvements of more than 200 highway ramps.

RIDOT had 47 detections of wrong-way driving and none have led to crashes.

RIDOT director Peter Alviti was quoted by traffictechnologytoday.com saying: "We are extremely pleased with the results of this system.

"Improving highway safety and saving lives is integral to the mission of our department.

"Even if the systems only prevented one wrong-way crash and the serious injuries or deaths that could have resulted, this programme has proven to be a wise investment."

In 2018, RIDOT plans for ramp modifications and the deployment of wrong-way driving systems at 25 more locations.