On the occurrence situation of reverse running on Expressway and future measures
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East Japan, Central Japan, West Japan, Capital City, Hanshin, Honshu-Shikoku Expressway Co., Ltd. has been taking various preventive measures against reverse running on Expressway that are likely to lead to serious accidents. .. However, in view of the situation in which there is still a lot of reverse running, we have analyzed in detail the cases of reverse running over the last three years with the cooperation of the National Police Agency, and have summarized the situation, location, and characteristics.

Based on this result, from 2014, at 33 locations across the country where multiple reverse runs have occurred, visual reverse run suppression measures such as large arrow markings, physical measures such as U-turn prevention rubber poles, etc. We will carry out uniform reverse run prevention measures. From 2015 onward, we will verify the effects of these measures, improve the contents, and apply them to other parts as well.

Current state of reverse running on Expressway

The following characteristics were confirmed by analyzing 541 cases of reverse running that led to traffic accidents or vehicle acquisition in 2011-2013.

• Approximately half of the reverse run cases start reverse runs at interchanges (ICs) and junctions (JCTs)
• About 70% are due to elderly people aged 65 and over
• Approximately 40% are due to drivers with suspicion of dementia or drinking alcohol
• About 40% occurs at night

Of the 541 reverse running cases, 414 cases where the reverse running location/section could be identified occurred at 363 (of which IC/JCT, service area (SA)/parking area (PA) were 278). Of the 278 locations, 33 occurred multiple times.

Unified reverse run measures

Based on the above analysis, we will implement 1.2. as a basic pattern of measures against reverse running.

1. Improved visibility of arrow road markings and warning signs (larger size, higher brightness)
2. Strengthening U-turn prevention measures at the junction (new installation and extension of rubber poles)

≪Basic pattern of measures (image)≫

the next deployment

From 2014, measures will be implemented with priority on 33 locations across the country where multiple reverse runs occur. In addition, we will continue to implement measures such as verifying the effect of the measures and the situation of reverse running, and examining the contents of the measures and the points requiring countermeasures.

Attachment

Locations (33 locations) where priority measures will be implemented in 2014 [PDF: 52KB]