Connecticut DOT, state police installing 5 more wrong-way driving detection systems this week

Desmond Milligan · August 19

CONNECTICUT (WTNH) — More wrong-way driving detection systems are being installed this week in Connecticut, and according to the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), they have been effective.

News 8 Investigates: Wrong-way detection systems activated more than 300 times in the last year

The CTDOT and state police are working together to put up more of the systems as soon as possible in areas like on and off-ramps.

There are a total of 236 ramps that have been identified by the CTDOT and state police as “high risk,” according to CTDOT Spokesperson Josh Morgan. By the end of next week, 190 systems will be installed.

Accident log data from state police have been used to determine which ramps are considered “high risk.”

The systems have LED blinking lights and an alarm that is sent to state troopers and a CTDOT alert center, which is staffed 24/7, 365 days a year, Morgan said.

“They can look and see that driver continued on the highway, and if the driver stopped and turned around,” Morgan said.

Since 2023, the wrong way systems have been activated nearly 600 times, according to the data. Out of the 600 activations, more than 81% of drivers self-corrected, meaning they turned around — and stayed alive.

Man accused of DUI, driving wrong way on I-84

New locations include South Windsor, Farmington, Windsor and Cromwell.

State Police Sgt. Luke Davis says these systems help troopers respond faster.

If you ever see headlights coming at you from the highway, safely move out of the vehicles way and come to a complete stop and call 911, Davis said.

Many of these wrong way fatal crashes involve alcohol, so be aware of an on-coming car especially at night.

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