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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The number of people killed in wrong-way driving accidents increased 300% between 2014 and 2023 in Washington, and the number keeps going up.
Eight percent of fatal accidents in the state are caused by wrong-way drivers, which is double the national average, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Washington tied Maine for the highest rate of fatal wrong-way driving accidents across the country.
In an effort to reduce the risk of wrong-way driving, the Washington Department of Transportation is installing detection systems across the state, according to an update shared from WSDOT.
The new detection technology uses sensors and cameras to catch when vehicles enter a ramp or lane in the wrong direction, according to a WSDOT statement. The sensor triggers flashing lights to notify drivers in real time, and sends a notification to WSDOT’s traffic management center so they can alert law enforcement.
Washington legislators approved $2 million for the effort across the state, which includes locations at 10 highway on-ramps. In Clark County, systems have been installed on State Route 14 at C Street, Interstate 5 at 179th Street, Interstate 5 at Gee Creek Rest Area, and State Route 502 at Interstate 5.
The locations were selected based on the number of frequent wrong-way driver reports and collisions, according to Sarah Hannon-Nein, a WSDOT spokesperson.
Nearly 70% of wrong-way crashes happened in King, Snohomish, Pierce, Clark, Yakima and Spokane counties, according to a WSDOT report to lawmakers. The same counties also account for the highest rates of traffic fatalities within the state.
Though wrong-way driving is linked with impaired driving, 47 percent of drivers in fatal accidents were not tested for drugs and alcohol, according to the report.
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Amanda Rhoades
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