Detection system installed in Grand Rapids to deter wrong-way drivers

As wrong-way driving crashes are on the rise, the Michigan Department of Transportation has partnered with the Michigan State Police and the City of Grand Rapids on the west side of the state to install measures to reduce accidents.

Among those efforts are a wrong-way detection system that will warn drivers they are going the wrong way. One detector will be installed at interchange off ramps along US-131 between Ann Street and M-11 (28th Street) in Grand Rapids, officials said.

According to MDOT, the system includes a series of lights that flash on the wrong way signs. If a driver enters the wrong way, cameras will start rolling and local authorities are alerted.

“Whether caused by alcohol, drugs, or confusion, wrong-way driving is a serious problem," F/Lt. Matt Williams, commander of the MSP Grand Rapids Post said in a statement. "Technology can be used to prevent tragedy. We're proud to partner with MDOT on this innovative approach to reduce traffic injuries and deaths."

Similar systems are already in place at the northbound US-131 off ramp to Cherry Street and the northbound US-131 off ramp to Hall Street, officials said.

MDOT Grand Region Engineer Erick Kind noted that the six-mile section of US-131 has a high concentration of traffic, bars, nightlife and other entertainment areas.

There were 2,008 deaths from wrong-way driving crashes on divided highways between 2015 and 2018, according to AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, an average of 500 deaths a year. That’s an increase of 34% compared to the previous four years.

Gary Bubar, a Michigan traffic safety specialist for AAA, has estimated that wrong-way crashes on all roads is likely about 400 a year in Michigan. Of those, about 10 are fatal each year.

"We've seen too many examples of the harm wrong-way drivers can cause," said Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom. "Adding these alert systems is a positive step forward and I am very thankful they are being deployed in our city.”

Head-on collisions are the most common type of wrong-way crashes, according to data provided from MSP. More than 30% of the crashes, or 265 from Jan. 1, 2018, to May 9 this year, were head-on crashes.

Other measures MDOT has taken over the past several years include adding reflective strips to "Do Not Enter" and "Wrong Way" signposts, adding backside red reflective strips along the length of the off ramps and adding stop bars and turn arrows at the ramp approaches as well as placing wrong way arrows further back.

cwilliams@detroitnews.com