The Michael Alert

An alert to warn people in imminent danger of wrong-way drivers.

WENDY JACKSON’s world was shattered when her husband was killed by a drunk driver going the wrong way on the President George Bush Turnpike in Collin County, Texas. Her husband, Michael, was not alerted that imminent danger was headed his way. Because of this tragedy, Wendy was forced to leave her career as an elementary school teacher and is now dedicating herself to bringing a life-saving alert into mainstream usage - THE MICHAEL ALERT – working towards a future free from the devastating consequences of drunk driving.

A collective force of co-workers calling themselves the Carbon Team, developed THE MICHAEL ALERT in honor of their boss, Michael. The alert is similar to the Amber Alert and Silver Alert, but would warn drivers if another car is traveling the wrong way and heading into on-coming traffic. This alert would not cost tax payers, yet people feel Ms. Jackson appears to be stonewalled by politicians and TxDOT.

Wendy has been seeking approval from TxDOT for piloting/testing in order to get the State and Federal to approve and implement the alert, but after two years of efforts, it appears Wendy has been getting the runaround. In order to get the action and support needed, she's taking it nationwide to the public. Your help is needed!

Approximately 60 percent of wrong way crashes on a nationwide basis involve alcohol or drug use. "Everyone knew except for the people that were driving the right way and were in imminent danger," Wendy said. "And one of those people happened to be my husband."

October 25th, 2023 marked the inaugural award ceremony for the MJ Award, an honor established by Michael’s beloved workplace organized by AT&T, which Wendy serves on the Board. This award is a testament to his unwavering dedication, tremendous contributions and the lasting impression he left on the industry he loved so deeply.

Michael's mission in his work was to use technology for social good. Wendy is carrying on his legacy.

If you or anyone you know can help Wendy with the Michael Alert, please contact her via this website.

Thank you.

Meet the Carbon Team

Wendy Jackson

Mike Linneman

Ammar Abdelwahed

Anas Siraj

Ashley-Asonye

Paine Leffler

Tope Daramola

News & Media

Cameron Dole Interview - Wendy Jackson discusses "Michael Alerts" - alerting motorists of wrong-way drivers

In this interview , we visit with Wendy Jackson, widow of Michael - who was killed by a wrong way driver in Texas. Wendy has been working to bring awareness of the technology that exists to alert motorists of such dangers, especially in larger cities. We discuss key points in making this life-saving technology available - understanding, legal hoops, and the costs associated with implementation. Learn how you can help make this a reality, and possibly save the lives of someone close to you!

Could your phone help save you from a wrong-way driver?

Wrong-way drivers have caused fatal car crashes in Texas, killing 650 and injuring 800 people in just 10 years. However, new technologies are being developed to warn drivers before impact, including one created by family and friends of a victim in Collin County. NBC 5’s Senior Investigative reporter Scott Friedman has the emerging solutions.

Preventing wrong-way traffic deaths

NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt.
May 2, 2024

Hispana que sufre la muerte de su esposo propone una alerta sin precedentes para salvar a conductores

Wendy Jackson, tras la pérdida de su esposo en un accidente causado por un conductor ebrio en sentido contrario, lidera una campaña para implementar alertas inmediatas en las carreteras de Texas. Están presionando para que estas alertas se envíen directamente a los teléfonos de los conductores.

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