overview

OVERVIEW

Each year, wrong-way driving crashes are responsible for approximately 500 fatalities (FHWA). As wrong-way crashes typically occur head-on, they’re disproportionately more fatal than other types of crashes, making their prevention paramount. Systems like the Wrong-Way Alert System leverage state-of-the-art technology to detect and notify wrong-way drivers.

Timeline (Years of Proven Expertise)

2000

TAPCO invents the BlinkerSign®, a flashing LED-enhanced sign utilized in wrong-way applications due to its proven effectiveness.

2011-12

TAPCO is the first to launch a comprehensive Wrong-Way Alert System, which goes on to win an ATSSA innovation award in 2012. That same year, TAPCO releases BlinkLink® V.1, a software safety tool that generates high-priority alerts, compiles data and provides system diagnostics.

2014

TAPCO releases BlinkLink® V.2 with image confirmation. The software safety tool becomes a wrong-way system standard throughout the industry.

2018-19

TAPCO launches its national service offering, with many wrong-way maintenance agreements established. TAPCO also installs the industry's first wrong-way driver connected vehicle solution and partners with FLIR to exclusively offer FLIR thermal detection in the TAPCO Wrong-Way Alert System.

2020

TAPCO launches its Advanced Communication Controller to expand network capabilities and is awarded a USDOT contract to develop a physical intervention enhancement to the TAPCO Wrong-Way Alert System.

2021

TAPCO launches LegendViz® Traffic Signs featuring LED-illuminated legends to improve nighttime safety. TAPCO also reaches over 1,000 TAPCO Wrong-Way Alert Systems installed.

2024

TAPCO partners with Bosch and HAAS Alert to upgrade the technology behind its wrong-way driving solutions, bringing state-of-the-art video-as-a-sensor detection technology and wrong-way digital alerts to the TAPCO Wrong-Way Alert System. 

System Configuration (How does the System Detect?)

The Wrong-Way Alert System utilizes a flexible, two-zone configuration for optimal accuracy at any location. When a wrong-way driver passes through the radar-equipped Sign Activation Zone, the wrong-way detection system’s alerts are activated to encourage self-correction. If the driver fails to self-correct and enters the Wrong-Way Alert Zone, the video-as-a-sensor technology captures the wrong-way driving event, triggering BlinkLink® and HAAS Alert to notify both officials and nearby right-way drivers. 

Detection (Powered by Bosch)

Each Wrong-Way Alert System is powered by Bosch AI-enabled cameras. Developed specifically for ITS integration, the video-as-a-sensor technology provides a high level of accuracy — beyond 95% — for detecting wrong-way vehicles and reduces false positives from common disturbances: 

  • Weather 

  • Vibration 

  • Headlights 

  • Glare 

The analytics processing is at the edge, in the camera, with no central server required, providing next-level precision and the lowest possible latency for detection alerts. Additionally, existing wrong-way detection systems can be retrofitted with the technology to ensure maximum accuracy when it comes to detecting wrong-way driving. 

BlinkLink® (Who Receives Alerts and What Do They Do?)

Connectivity is available with all TAPCO Wrong-Way Alert Systems, with each system automatically programmed with BlinkLink® capabilities. Smart city platforms like BlinkLink® can collect real-time data and streamline wrong-way detection system management through remote capabilities like system reporting, wrong-way event livestreaming and event alerts. 

When a wrong-way event is detected, BlinkLink® notifies key stakeholders, including TMCs, DOTs and law enforcement agencies, in real-time via voice, email and SMS alerts. BlinkLink’s real-time notifications allow transportation officials to take immediate action — and even deploy additional countermeasures like nearby overhead message boards to warn right-way drivers of the potential danger. 

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BlinkLink Wrong-Way Alert GIF

Wrong-Way Driver Alerts

LegendViz®

Proven to increase sign legibility distance by as much as 100%, LegendViz® LED-illuminated legends provide unmatched visibility at any location. The dusk-to-dawn illumination offers enhanced legibility without headlights or retroreflectivity, ensuring crucial wrong-way signage is highly visible in the evening hours. 

LegendViz® BlinkerSign®

Take visibility measures to the next level by making any Wrong-Way sign a LegendViz® BlinkerSign®. By combining the proven conspicuity benefits of flashing perimeter warning lights with LED-illuminated legends, it’s possible to ensure maximal driver awareness and compliance at common wrong-way entry points. 

BlinkerSign®

Engineered to command the attention of motorists and elevate roadway compliance, each Wrong-Way BlinkerSign® is fitted with flashing perimeter warning lights. Ideal for nighttime and problematic locations, the edge-lit signs utilize red LEDs to bring enhanced visibility to any Wrong-Way Alert System — and are even visible more than one mile away. 

Rectangular Flashing Beacons (RFBs)

Elevate the conspicuity of any Wrong-Way Alert System with Rectangular Flashing Beacons. A step above industry standard, the extra-large RFBs flash in a wig-wag pattern, making them highly visible to wrong-way drivers. Available in red, the LED beacons automatically dim based on ambient light to optimize output and longevity.
 

BlinkerBeacon™

Available in a variety of arrangement options, BlinkerBeacon™ flashing LED beacons provide real-time warning to drivers at any wrong-way location. Equipped with bright, flashing LEDs, the beacons offer unparalleled visibility in low-light environments. And with variable dimming capabilities, the beacons automatically optimize LED output and longevity. 

Connected Vehicle Interface (CVI)

Add an extra layer of safety and situational awareness with TAPCO’s Connected Vehicle Interface (CVI). Designed to seamlessly connect with any Wrong-Way Alert System, the CVI communicates with the system, the roadside unit (RSU) and the vehicle’s on-board unit (OBU) to deploy in-vehicle alerts upon system activation. 

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Right-Way Driver Alerts

HAAS Alert

In the event of a wrong-way driver, HAAS’ Safety Cloud® keeps the safety of right-way drivers top of mind. Once the wrong-way detection system confirms a vehicle has passed through the Wrong-Way Alert Zone, BlinkLink® communicates with HAAS’ safety platform to ensure right-way drivers within a custom radius receive near real-time warning of the potential hazard. Alerts are delivered via in-vehicle navigation to elevate situational awareness. 

Connected Vehicle Interface (CVI)

Add an extra layer of safety and situational awareness with TAPCO’s Connected Vehicle Interface (CVI). Designed to seamlessly connect with any Wrong-Way Alert System, the CVI communicates with the system, the roadside unit (RSU) and the vehicle’s on-board unit (OBU) to deploy in-vehicle alerts upon system activation. 

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Solar-powered-wrong-way-detection-system-installed-on-highway-on-ramp
Wrong-Way-vehicle-detection-system-installed-on-busy-highway
Wrong-way-driver-detection-system-with-solar-power-and-rrfb-alerts
Wrong-way-alert-system-with-flashing-rrfb-warning-alerts
resources

RESOURCES

BROCHURE: WRONG-WAY ALERT SYSTEM

From simple deterrents to complex Intelligent Warning Systems, learn how you can improve safety for right-way drivers.

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WHITE PAPER: IMPROVING WRONG-WAY ALERT SYSTEMS WITH SOFTWARE

Discover how to reduce wrong-way driving and protect drivers' lives with data and insights about where wrong-way driving occurs, how software can optimize Wrong-Way Alert Systems and more.

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PRODUCT BRIEFS

Wrong-Way Alert System with HAAS Alert      

Wrong-Way Alert System, powered by Bosch

Wrong-Way Alert System with BlinkLink®

Wrong-Way Alert System with Connected Vehicle Interface (CVI)

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