Another wrong way driver on 97?? What is the problem along there that's causing people to get on the highway going the wrong way?

WBAL is reporting that both drivers had been drinking.

Not knowing if the wrong way driver was impaired nor where she got on I97, I cannot imagine how someone cannot immediately know and pull over to correct. Are there any confusing entries of which I am not aware?

That’s exactly what I was wondering, but since she was going the wrong way, she would have had to enter the highway via an exit ramp. At that hour of the morning, there would likely have been no traffic exiting the highway so she could have gone right up the exit ramp without so much as a clue. So sad.

Have a look at an aerial map and tell me what you think about this hypothesis:
Vehicle traveling east on Benfield Blvd toward 97. Takes a left onto Veteran's Hwy. Just down from there is a traffic light for the ramp coming from 97N. The driver mistakenly takes a RIGHT onto this EXIT ramp, there is no escape and the driver would end up going south on northbound 97.
I was considering this as a possible explanation for the last wrong-way on 97 accident. I think it might be a possibility here, too.........
What do you think?

Calique - Yes. I can see that possibility.

Calique, yes, here's another scenerio: I've had viewers respond to me that they see motorists traveling north on Veterans Hwy. towards Severna Park. They then attempt to make a left at the traffic light where the ramp from 97N enters Veterans Hwy. (across from Shipley's Medical Center). A viewer said they most likely have GPS on their dashboards telling them to turn left to get to 97- but they need to go one more light and make a left to access 97. There were never "Do Not Enter" signs at this ramp, but I was told today now there are signs that say "Do Not Enter" at this ramp. Has anyone ever noticed this ramp and the signage?

Exactly, I sent this conversation thread link over to the county traffic division last night. It is a huge problem.

I was approached by a news camera person yesterday but had nothing to say and declined. Since then I have been mentally checking each exit. The one discussed here at Shipley's is the only one I can call suspect.

Since these two recent issues have occurred, statistically it would seem that there should have been a number of other incidents of wrong-way driving reported that did not result in accidents thus no investigation report. I would very much like to know if anyone has those numbers and if there is any consistency. Would 911 records categorize those calls?

I travel 97N everyday coming home from work. I NEVER been afraid of any Highway except for 97N. Everyone drives like a bat out of hell! I pray everyday for everyone safety. It was just a three car accient Tuesday on 97N. Scary!

Hi Rusty- Good question on the statistics. My husband has actually seen people using their GPS and turn on that ramp, thinking they are going the right way then realize in the middle of the intersection that it is the wrong way. The exits for 97 are too close and GPS could be part of the problem. I doubt they categorize the calls but we are checking into it.

I had not thought of the GPS dilemma, contributing...I know that ramp to Veterans, and the medical plaza............It is simply a turn at a stoplight, from either direction. Simple, and you're going the wrong way ! And quite often the turning process, doesn't allow one to get squared away and look forward....the "wrong way " signs need to be farther down the road by 10 or 20 yards. Quite often they are at the very beginning of the road. The curvature of the exit is also a good idea. Make it nearly impossible to negotiate the turn.

And while we discuss the road, ramp, GPS, etc., Let us please take a moment to remember the familes devasted by this accident.........and lets do keep putting our heads together to eliminate the hazard for other families.

I was the driver right behind and had to call the cops...IT WAS RLY BAD even my car is damaged from this but Im lucky to be able to avoid head on crash
~Joanne

All of this is very sad! I feel bad for both peoples family's! I also think that the police should try to do more to help out the people that had to see all this happening, yes I understand they have rules of things that they have to follow but if its gonna help them get their cars fix why not lets face it, it's not their fault this happened

since it was just north of rt32. I'd say it happenend at the 1st exit for Veterans HWY. Everyone know which one ( generals hwy or hog farm rd ).. If you are traveling south on Veterans pass the bar at the generals hwy split, continue like you are going to make a right onto hog farm rd. You can actually keep going straight an drive right onto I97 N and apparently not even realize it..I've seen a handful of people do that in the past 5-6 years, which is enough to tell you something is not right there.

Why is everyone focusing on the exit across from Shipleys, if you make a right there, you are a jackass. What makes someone think they can access I97 S. from this location, I've read all these comments and they all focus on that spot. :1) from the wrong side of the highway 2) without crossing over top the highway...I'm not trying to sound ignorant in anyway, it just irritates me how we make it out to be a mistake from others, not the one who made the wrong decision.

it wasnt at that exit

Chuck T- I know where Hog Farm takes you, what Im saying is, if you are Sbnd Vet. HWY.the last place you can turn is Hog Farm rd (right).,but you can mistakenly go right past that, why you ask, theres a turn off there because houses are there along the hwy. so thats how residents get to there house. Now if its 1am and your supposed to meet a friend who may live there or whatever you may make the wrong decision an end up on NRTH bnd 97...like I said I've seen handful of people in past 5-6 years do that same thing...I dont know exactly what happenend but thats my common sense logical answer.

I understand the relation of the roads, I see what you mean as far as 97 being about 100ft or so further up, like I said it was just a guess...I stand by my thought if someone makes a turn at the intersection where Shipleys is.. you should not have a license..if you try an blame it on GPS you should make a fist an punch yourself in the face. If you dont have situational awareness punch yourself again,

Hey, have a look at this, folks: http://www.capitalgazette.com/maryland_gazette/hot/were-wrong-way-fatals-linked-by-exit-b/article_2ede3af6-20af-57f4-9fb7-09a92da181b7.html
Maybe someone heard us...

Well I dont think we have enough specific info on the case...depending on who filed the report determines where the tossing of ideas can start. In my opinion I think thats where it started not the Benfield exit. I think its because the end of Veterans seems more of "oh im going the wrong damn way" compared to the benfield exit..If it was the exit in fact, that was one long distance to go and not know you were jacked up.WOW really ..very unfortunate for the families..Joanne could clear it all up, she said she was behind the Honda. She could tell us exactly where the accident happend.

They say exit 10B, if you turn there thinking your getting on 97S your out in left field. Why didnt the Gazette have Joanne in there as a witness, they said no witnesses in the accident. To go south you obiviously have to be on the south side, so what makes a person being on the north side that they can get there from that exit. SHA is fine in my book, just people not paying attention.

wish they would show on a map where the accident happend..

I knew Kelley She was very sweet Good head on her shoulders She was not from the area

@ Diane really youth and inexperience? she was what 24/25 i dont know how long she was driving but it could have be for about 9 yrs if she got her license on time. i have news for you there are just as many if not more bad drivers that are older and experienced!