Social media (or should that be anti-social media) is responsible for a glut of crazes, many of which are dubious – often dangerous.
The recent apparent craze of driving in the wrong direction on our motorways and dual carriageways became more widely publicised due to the tragic loss of two police officers who died when a car travelling the wrong way crashed into a force vehicle.
PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough were killed in a crash on the A66 near Middlesbrough last month. The five youths in the offending vehicle were also killed.
Paul Naylor, Communications Director for The Alliance of British Drivers (ABD), said: “The ABD has always been an advocate for road safety. It is incredulous to think that in a world where our every move can be monitored that there is no automated system on our motorways and dual carriageways detecting vehicles travelling against the flow of traffic.
“As an organisation, we propose that the monitoring of such roads should be a priority for the Government. Any detection of cars, vans and lorries can then be relayed to fellow motorists in an attempt to get them to safety as soon as is possible.”
Smart motorways monitor traffic in a variety of ways. Radar systems are already installed along the roadside to monitor traffic. However, these systems are calibrated to spot stationary or stalled vehicles in live lanes rather than the directional flow of moving vehicles.
Operators in regional control centres watch live camera feeds. Spotting a wrong-way driver would rely on an operator manually witnessing the hazard via CCTV or being reported by distressed members of the public calling 999.
Standard motorway cameras (such as HADECS3) track speed and lane compliance (like illegal driving through a Red X) but are oriented to capture traffic moving in the correct designated direction.
“With all this technology at our disposal, you would think that small adaptations could be implemented to add the detection of such danger on our roads,” said Brian Gregory, co-founder and Policy Director for the ABD.
“There have been numerous occurrences over the years where drivers have mistakenly entered a motorway by the exit ramp, hence resulting in them driving the wrong way.
“Because of this, we have strongly advocated on several occasions that the correct & even more so wrong entrance and exit points to dual carriageways and motorways be better signposted.
“However, this craze of deliberate madness on our roads cannot be tolerated.
“The ABD recommends that all motorways and dual carriageways have current technology adapted to monitor vehicles travelling in the wrong direction. Fellow road users can then be warned via gantry signs.
“Where it is found to be an act of wanton idiocy, regardless of any collision, the perpetrator should face arrest and if charged a custodial sentence is a must.”
In the event that you encounter a ‘wrong way’ driver coming towards you, the public is advised to follow the following course of action:
Immediate Actions on the Road
• Pull over safely: Move to the left-hand lane or hard shoulder as quickly and safely as possible.
• Keep your distance: Leave a large gap between your vehicle and the wrong-way driver.
• Do not flash your lights: Flashing headlights can blind or confuse the driver, making their behaviour more unpredictable.
• Do not try to block them: Never attempt to stop, intercept, or block the oncoming vehicle with your car.
• Avoid sudden braking: Slow down smoothly to prevent vehicles behind you from crashing into your rear.
Actions After Reaching Safety
• Call 999 immediately: Treat this as a critical emergency. If you have a passenger, ask them to call while you drive.
• Provide key details: Tell the operator your road name, direction of travel, next junction number, and the
vehicle’s description if you caught it.
• Pull into a service station: If a safe exit is nearby, leave the motorway entirely until police resolve the
hazard.
ENDS
Author Paul Naylor is a former journalist, having worked for the Midland News Association for 25 years. Paul left the industry in 2017 and created his own media business – MEDIA & YOU. He writes here on behalf of The Alliance of British Drivers (ABD), an organisation for which he is now a director.
For all media enquiries, contact Paul Naylor on 07914 304 504 or email paul@mediaandyou.co.uk
Notes: Founded in 1992, the Alliance of British Drivers (ABD) is the leading organisation promoting the interests and concerns of drivers in the United Kingdom.
The UK has over 37 million drivers – that is a majority; we should stop tolerating the way we are treated by the government and local councils.
Cars, vans and taxis account for 80% of the mileage of all trips in the UK, and over 65% of goods being carried by road. The road network, and the people who use it, are of vital importance to the nation’s economy. Drivers should expect the road network to be improved and maintained to a standard that is fit for purpose. They should be able to use the roads in a safe and responsible manner without being subject to unreasonable charges, restrictions or penalties.
