New technology being used by the Florida Department of Transportation aims at putting the brakes on wrong way drivers.

When the Howard Frankland Bridge in Tampa was closed in January for construction, FDOT did a test on cameras that are installed on the bridge.

They used the camera and simulated more than 140 wrong-way drivers. The cameras caught all of them so that's an indication the cameras are working.

In recent years, FDOT has also installed Wrong Way Driver message boards and road markings on highways, roads and off ramps.

Spokesperson Kris Carson said the goal is safer roads.

"The whole point behind all of this is of course, to try to alert the motorist that they're going the wrong way and also to get a trooper out there as quickly as possible to get the motorist off the road. Timing is really very critical with these instances," she said.

A Wrong Way Detection Project is also underway.

FDOT has put up LED enhanced signs at hundreds of locations.

The signs flash to let drivers know they're going the wrong way and if they don't turn around, traffic investigators are notified.

"The signs are working. Many motorists are paying attention. You don't hear about these instances because crashes are avoided, but many motorists will come up the ramp the wrong way and turn around and self-correct when they see the signs. We've had many instances of that," Carson said.

Spectrum Bay News 9 Traffic Expert Chuck Henson said while these safety measures are good, it's also about drivers taking responsibility.

"The state can do everything they can do to try to warn you that you're going the wrong way but ultimately it's the driver that has to be in control of their vehicle," Henson said.

Studies show several things contribute to many of the wrong-way crashes including impairment and driving late at night or early in the morning.

Transportation officials said if you see someone driving the wrong way, call 911 immediately because timing is of the essence.