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NDOT To Install Wrong-Way Detection Systems In Las Vegas

Author Ransom Garcia
In this photo, traffic cones are piled up.

The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) has revealed its latest initiative to enhance road safety in the Las Vegas Valley: installing wrong-way driver detection systems at four key interchanges.

This safety project, scheduled to kick off this Sunday and wrap up in about eight weeks, aims to curb the risky issue of wrong-way driving incidents in the region.

Now, while this is great news for road safety, it’s worth noting that some minor disruptions might be on the horizon. Due to the installation, we might encounter occasional overnight lane restrictions or ramp closures between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. on Sunday evenings to Friday mornings. These roadwork schedules, however, could dance to a different tune based on how things unfold.

In the realm of current safety measures, NDOT diligently places “Wrong Way” signs at all freeway off-ramps for drivers who’ve unknowingly embraced the wrong side of the road.

NDOT Reveals The Intersections Getting The Technology

Now, get ready for the techy part. The new wrong-way driver detection systems are about to strut their stuff at four distinct ramps: I-15 at Starr Avenue, U.S. 95 at Kyle Canyon Road, U.S. 95 at Skye Canyon Drive, and U.S. 95 at Durango Drive. According to an 8NewsNow article, these smart systems combine radar and closed-circuit cameras to instantly flag vehicles heading in the wrong direction. Once spotted, the system unleashes two sets of attention-grabbing red flashing wrong-way signs on the ramp.

But there’s a trick here – the first set of these flashtastic signs stand at four feet tall. Why? Well, they’re intentionally designed to give even drowsy or impaired drivers a wake-up call, compelling them to halt and change their direction. That’s according to a different article by Fox 5.

Here’s a nifty stat: 84% of the spotted wrong-way vehicles managed to execute a safe turnaround before hopping onto the freeway, thanks to this tech, according to NDOT.

RELATED: RTC Is Bringing Back Popular Game Day Express

So, as the wrong-way driver detection systems light up the ramps, here’s hoping for safer and smarter drives ahead in the Las Vegas Valley.

Ransom Garcia is the music director and afternoon host on 1079 Coyote Country. He’s been with the station since 2017, but he’s been on the Las Vegas airwaves since 2003. Although he's Vegas Born AND Raised, Ransom also has on-air duties on sister station Kiss 95.1 in Charlotte, NC. He is also set to be inducted into the Nevada Broadcasters Hall of Fame in September of 2024. Ransom writes articles about pop culture, human interests, technology, video games and anything affecting Las Vegas.

Surviving Thunderstorms: 5 Don'ts You Must Remember

Thunderstorms can be both fascinating and scary, with their electrifying displays of lightning and booming thunder. However, not everyone knows that there are certain things you’re not supposed to do when there’s a thunderstorm.

During the summer months, thunderstorms occur frequently due to the high humidity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 73 percent of lightning-related fatalities occur in June, July, and August. According to the National Weather Service, an excess of moisture in the atmosphere, atmospheric instability, and a triggering mechanism are the conditions that lead to thunderstorms. When these elements are combined, they can unleash a powerful symphony of heavy rainfall, thunder, lightning, strong winds, and even hail.

Being prepared for thunderstorms

The American Red Cross has some advice on how to get ready for those wild summer thunderstorms. Taking preventive measures like subscribing to local government emergency alerts, equipping your home with backup batteries, and devising a family plan for hazardous weather situations can all prove invaluable during emergencies.

Thunderstorm myths and misconceptions

When it comes to thunderstorms, there are plenty of myths and misconceptions about what you should avoid doing. One of the most common misconceptions is that wearing rubber-soled shoes or being inside a car with rubber tires makes us immune to lightning strikes. Unfortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Lightning can still travel through the ground or the metal frame of a car, even if it has rubber tires.

Many people believe that as long as they’re not directly under the storm cloud, they are safe from lightning strikes. However, lightning bolts can extend horizontally for significant distances, reaching as far as 10 miles away from the storm. And also keep in mind that trees, especially tall ones, are prime targets for lightning strikes due to their height and conductivity.

Along with getting prepared and knowing thunderstorm myths, you have to know what not to do during a thunderstorm.

Here are 5 things you should never do during a thunderstorm.

Listen to Ransom Garcia weekday afternoons from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on 107.9 Coyote Country!

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