Don’t you often wonder how on Earth someone could enter a freeway or toll ramp on the wrong side and wind up, barreling along, going the wrong way? When I see one of these wrong way drivers on the news, the first thought that enters my head is they must be drunk when driving on the wrong side of the road. Or perhaps they’re English. Maybe they are both drunk and English. Even with signs posted “Wrong Way” and “Do Not Enter” and speed bumps on the road to warn them. How can they not see the signs or feel the thud as they cross over those big steel bumps? Several states are now using new road signs, lighting and technology to prevent wrong way drivers. In addition, they are trying to get drivers in the habit of driving in the far right lane at night, because drivers entering the wrong way tend to drive in their right side lane, thinking that they are on the correct side of the median. So, remember, at night, stay right. It may save your life as well as the life of that whacky wrong way driver.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSA) suggests changes to ramps, including sensors that detect wrong way drivers and adding new signs or even lowering “Do Not Enter” and “Wrong Way” signs. If lowered, the signs will be more visible in their headlights at night. California has used lower signs since the 1970’s. Arizona, Virginia, Ohio and Florida have since lowered their signs. Some states resist lowering signs because they could cause injuries if the wrong way driver crashes into them. Also, snow can pile up and cover them. But, what’s worse? The wrong way driver crashing into the sign, or having them enter the wrong way and crashing into other drivers?
So, remember, at night, stay right. Not a bad habit to get into so you don’t become a statistic in next week’s news.
Until next week…
Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist
At Night Stay Right – Comedy Defensive Driving