Lower-mounted signs could help prevent wrong-way crashes on highways: report

Experts think that lower-mounted “Wrong Way" and "Do Not Enter" signs could help lower the number of wrong-way crashes throughout the country, according to a report.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) says that drunk drivers, who tend to lower their heads, were involved in at least 60 percent of wrong-way crashes.

According to an investigation study by NBC News, these lower-mounted signs, which cost roughly $300, would be closer to their lines of vision and be illuminated by the headlights of most cars at night – when most crashes happen.

Wrong-way crashes are a serious problem. Close to 4,000 people died in them over the past 10 years, according to the news outlet.

Texas wrong-way accidents were up 13 percent in the last year, even while other states have managed to lower the number of collisions by reducing the height of warning signs on highway ramps.

The Safety Board, who conducted a nationwide study of wrong-way crashes in 2012, also found that red reflectors and improved pavement markings on freeway ramps could help.

"Although they are relatively rare highway occurrences, wrong-way collisions tend to be severe events resulting in fatalities, and the number of fatalities, averaging over 300 per year, has remained essentially unchanged in recent years," the report reads.

NTSB also suggested installing alcohol ignition interlocks on the vehicles of all motorists who have driven while intoxicated in the past.

The experts were unable to say whether or not drugs played a prominent role in wrong-way crashes based on the information available.

NTSB did not immediately return Yahoo News' request for comment.