Low-Cost Safety Enhancements for Stop-Controlled and Signalized Intersections

10. Summary

Several FHWA intersection focus states are currently using the systematic process to deploy low-cost intersection countermeasures to lower statewide intersection fatalities.

Low-cost countermeasures are recommended for those intersections that presently meet at least minimum MUTCD standards but are still experiencing a high frequency of crashes above a certain threshold. Countermeasures for stop-controlled and signalized intersections have been categorized as basic or supplemental. Basic countermeasures are those that are usually very low in unit cost and collectively effective in terms of reducing future crash potential. Supplemental countermeasures may be somewhat higher in unit costs compared to the basic countermeasures, but increase overall effectiveness when combined with the basic countermeasures to reduce crashes. Supplemental countermeasures should be considered at those intersections that have levels of crashes considerably higher than the threshold levels, high levels of specific crash types, or specific physical characteristics or deficiencies that the countermeasure is intended to mitigate.

A number of low-cost intersection countermeasures have been identified that are effective in reducing future crashes. Because the countermeasures are relatively low cost, they can be deployed at a substantial number of intersections with high numbers of crashes. The result of such a deployment can reduce statewide levels of intersection crashes and fatalities.

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