9 killed in Phoenix area by wrong-way drivers in 2018: How to stay safe

According to research by 2Pass Defensive Driving, at least 14 wrong-way crashes have happened in Maricopa County so far this year, as of June 10. At least nine were fatal.

The National Transportation Safety Board said wrong-way collisions occur infrequently but are likelier to result in fatal and serious injuries than other types of highway crashes.

Recently in Arizona, two people were killed and five others were injured in a crash on Interstate 40. Officials said a wrong-way driver hit a church van before bursting into flames.

A 61-year-old man was arrested for driving on the wrong side of the road and hitting a pedestrian June 25 in Phoenix. The pedestrian was critically injured.

On June 18, a 27-year-old man was arrested after crashing into a wall on Loop 101.

Why do they happen?

Many wrong-way crashes happen between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. More than half happen on the weekends.

The agency said most wrong-way crashes are caused by impaired drivers.

“Wrong-way driving is a preventable thing because it is a behavioral thing,” Gutier said.

What is ADOT doing to stop it?

The department, in fall 2017, implemented thermal-detection technology to decrease crashes. The system includes 90 cameras above exit ramps on Interstate 17. The system alerts drivers going in the right direction about the oncoming driver.

As of June 12, more than 15 vehicles were detected by the technology,  according to a report by The Republic.  None of them had made it onto travel lanes before either leaving the freeway or somehow correcting.

 But early on July 5, the system detected the first vehicle that actually made it onto the travel lanes of Interstate 17 going the wrong way, officials said. The driver exited the freeway without causing an accident then re-entered in the right direction. The driver later was caught by a Department of Public Safety trooper and arrested on suspicion of DUI.

ADOT released an app in November to provide alerts on wrong-way drivers and other traffic issues. The app is linked to the thermal system.

Before the start of the thermal-detection program, ADOT installed more “Wrong Way” and “Do Not Enter” signs across the state.

Gutier said the department’s work has led to a lot of people correcting themselves before a crash can occur.

What can you do?

ADOT said if you see an impaired person getting behind the wheel, stop them from driving.

Make sure to be aware of your surroundings while driving:

  • If you see an overhead sign warning of a wrong-way driver, go to the nearest exit.
  • Don’t tailgate.
  • Wear a seat belt.

Gutier said many wrong-way drivers tend to drive in the high-occupancy vehicle lane. If you are driving late at night or early in the morning, avoid the lane as a precaution.

Gutier said if you see a wrong-way driver, call 911 immediately.