FHWA: Making Our Roads Safer One Countermeasure at a Time

http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/ provencountermeasures. Source: South Carolina DOT Example of countermeasures on the stop approach. INTERSECTIONS | PROVEN SAFETY COUNTERMEASURES This systemic approach to intersection safety involves deploying a group of multiple low- cost countermeasures, such as enhanced signing Source: South Carolina DOT Example of countermeasures on the through approach. and pavement markings, at a large number of stop-controlled intersections within a jurisdiction. It is designed to increase driver awareness and recognition of the intersections and potential conflicts. The systemic approach to safety has three components: (1) analyze systemwide data to identify a problem, (2) look for similar risk factors present in severe crashes, and (3) deploy on a large scale low-cost countermeasures that address the risk factors contributing to crashes. The low-cost countermeasures for stop-controlled intersections generally consist of the following treatments: On the Through Approach ƒ Doubled up (lef and right), oversized advance intersection warning signs, with street name sign plaques. ƒ Enhanced pavement markings that delineate through lane edge lines. On the Stop Approach ƒ Doubled up (lef and right), oversized advance “Stop Ahead” intersection warning signs. ƒ Doubled up (lef and right), oversized Stop signs. ƒ Retroreflective sheeting on sign posts. ƒ Properly placed stop bar. ƒ Removal of any vegetation, parking, or obstruction that limits sight distance. ƒ Double arrow warning sign at stem of T-intersections. SAFETY BENEFITS: Average Benefit-Cost Ratio 12:1 $ 10% Reduction in injury and fatal crashes 11. Systemic Application of Multiple Low-Cost Countermeasures at Stop-Controlled Intersections 15% Reduction in nighttime crashes Source: T. Le et al, “Safety Effects of Low-Cost Systemic Safety Improvements at Signalized and Stop-Controlled Intersections,” 96th Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board, Paper Number 17-05379, January 2017. id.trb.org/view.aspx?id=1439120 .