Wrong-Way Driving Incidents On Central Florida Toll Road Network, Phase-1 Study: An Investigation Into The Extent Of This Problem?

The focus of this research project was to understand the extent of wrong-way driving (WWD) incidents on Central Florida toll roads by analyzing WWD data. The universe of WWD data contains many sources on both reported and unreported WWD events. Various WWD data sources were analyzed, including crash reports, citation data, and 911 call data to determine WWD trends and areas of high occurrence. A Computer Assisted Telephone Instrument survey was conducted on 400 randomly selected toll road customers that either personally witnessed WWD or knew someone who had witnessed WWD on Central Florida highways. These customers were asked about the details of this WWD incident, if it affected how they drive, and if they reported it by calling 911. The intent of this survey was to capture information about unreported WWD events to determine the full extent of the WWD problem and understand how toll road users react to WWD and want to be alerted about it. The analysis results were used to create a systematic ranking of Central Florida toll roads with respect to WWD. The rankings indicated that SR 408 and SR 528 (in this order) are the worst roads with respect to WWD. The results indicated that WWD is a problem in Central Florida that requires attention. In addition, the survey showed that many people do not report WWD, so it is important to detect and warn drivers about WWD. In order to improve detection and reduce WWD incidents, a Phase-2 study will evaluate various WWD countermeasures to determine which are most effective for Central Florida toll roads. These countermeasures will include low-cost and medium-cost improvements and technologie