ORLANDO, Fla. — Central Florida had more than 130 wrong-way drivers last year, authorities said.
Channel 9 traffic reporter Racquel Asa learned that more wrong-way driving systems are being installed over the next year to bring that number down.
Just last month, the Central Florida Expressway Authority installed the system at the Hiawassee Road ramp. Three other systems were installed at ramps nearby, but 32 other systems just like that will be put in at other ramps, where drivers can get on the wrong way.
Driver Craig Penrose said getting the system in place at other locations will make a difference.
In August 2012, his father was killed by a wrong-way driver on State Road 408.
Since then, a warning system has been placed at the same ramp where investigators say the wrong-way driver entered before killing Penrose's father.
"I'm good with this as long as they finish the system," said Penrose.
(Click here to go to web links for a list of locations)
The toll agency has five locations up and running, including the one at Hiawassee Road.
"I applaud their efforts. It's a long time coming and it's outstanding that they are taking it that serious," said Penrose.
The toll agency is still selecting a contractor to put the 32 systems in place. A representative said the new systems should be installed in year.
If a wrong-way driver doesn't turn around, the system will also trigger message boards to warn drivers going the right way that a driver is heading toward them.
WFTV
