Policy & Prevention

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Spikes for Anthony began with a question about whether a physical deterrent could stop a wrong-way driver before entering high-speed traffic. As our research progressed, so did our understanding of the problem.

Today, our work is not centered on one device or technology. We support consideration of a coordinated statewide framework for wrong-way driving prevention that gives transportation professionals a repeatable process for identifying concerns, selecting appropriate countermeasures, assessing implementation and cost, measuring results, and reporting what works.

A statewide framework could include:

• Defined criteria for identifying locations that warrant further review 
• Improved collection of suspected wrong-way entry-point information when it can be determined, with “unknown/not determinable” preserved when it cannot 
• Enhanced signage, pavement markings, lighting, roadway-design measures, and other appropriate engineering treatments 
• Detection, warning, and rapid-notification technologies where appropriate 
• Evaluation of physical deterrents where engineers determine further study is warranted 
• Strategies that can be applied across state highways and local roadway environments 
• Implementation and cost assessment, including use of existing safety programs and funding pathways where eligible 
• Ongoing measurement, reporting, evaluation, and accountability 

Wrong-way driving occurs across different roadway environments. The appropriate response at one location may not be appropriate at another.

That is why our proposal focuses on a repeatable statewide process for identifying, addressing, monitoring, and evaluating wrong-way driving concerns rather than prescribing one technology statewide.

Spikes were the question that started our advocacy. The evidence broadened our mission.

Physical deterrents may still deserve technical study in appropriate settings, but our policy work now reflects a broader goal: helping Texas build a coordinated, evidence-informed approach to wrong-way driving prevention that improves data, supports appropriate countermeasures, and measures results over time.