Issues, Causes, and Consequences of Wrong-Way Driving in Corpus Christi, Texas
Issues, Causes, and Consequences of Wrong-Way Driving in Corpus Christi, Texas

Author(s): Anita Sanchez
Subject(s): Security and defense, Transport / Logistics
Published by: Scientia Moralitas Research Institute
Keywords: Texas; Department of Transportation; TxDOT; drivers; wrong way; Corpus Christi; Portland; accident; Harbor Bridge;
Summary/Abstract: The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is responsible for supporting approximately 80,000 miles of road across the state (Texas Department of Transportation n.d.). In addition, TxDOT plays a key role in providing safe and dependable transportation results for the State of Texas. This includes sustaining a safe system approach throughout the State to keep Texas roads secure. Currently, the number one cause of accidents on Texas highways is excessive speed (Texas Department of Transportation 2023b). Regrettably, excessive speed is not the only shortcoming burdening Texas drivers. Wrong-way drivers on highways and other roads present a serious risk to all motorists. Collisions involving vehicles traveling the wrong way on divided highways are the most serious type of accident often resulting in fatalities (NTSB 2012). According to KRIS 6 News (2023a), 60,000 people travel across the Harbor Bridge in Corpus Christi every day. Eight people have died in wrong-way collisions on the southbound stretch of road between the Harbor Bridge and US Highway 181, connecting Portland and Corpus Christi, in the last eight years (KRIS 6 News 2023b). These fatalities prompted research into Harbor Bridge easy access exits. In Corpus Christi, Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers and local police departments find averting wrong-way drivers commonplace. To detour wrong-way drivers, TxDOT has closed numerous off-ramps in the area indefinitely. This analysis report of freeway-related wrong-way collisions will explore problems, issues, and countermeasures TxDOT has encountered in Corpus Christi, Texas.

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