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Strategy E5. Install Larger Regulatory and Warning Signs at IntersectionsNCHRP Report 500 / Volume 5: A Guide for Addressing Unsignalized Intersection Collisions WHERE TO USEApproaches to unsignalized intersections with patterns of rear-end, right-angle, or turning collisions related to lack of driver awareness of the presence of the intersection.
DETAILSThe visibility of intersections and, thus, the ability of approaching drivers to perceive them can be enhanced by installing larger regulatory and warning signs at intersections. Such improvements may include stop signs, intersection warning signs, stop ahead signs, pavement markings, and post-mounted delineators. The FHWA Older Driver Highway Design Handbook encourages such improvements to contribute to a better driving environment for older drivers. KEY TO SUCCESSSelect a combination of regulatory and warning sign techniques appropriate to conditions on particular approaches to unsignalized intersections. This engineering judgment should, where possible, be accompanied by a human factors assessment of the need for regulatory and warning signs. Another key is the ability and commitment of the highway agency to adequately maintain the signs. ISSUESCare should be taken not to overuse traffic signing, as it is likely that drivers will become accustomed to their presence and fail to respond as desired or intended. Agencies should strive to use special signing only where a specific problem or circumstance indicates the need. TIME FRAME: ShortThis strategy does not require a long development process. Signing improvements can typically be implemented in 3 months or less. COSTS: LowCosts for implementing this strategy are nominal. An agency's maintenance costs may increase. EFFECTIVENESSTRIED: One limited study has indicated that installing larger stop signs may decrease all collisions by up to 19%. COMPATIBILITYThis strategy can be used in conjunction with most other strategies for improving safety at unsignalized intersections. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATIONSigning in conformance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices should be provided. For more details on this and other countermeasures: http://safety.transportation.org For more information contact: FHWA Office of Safety Design FHWA Resource Center – Safety and Design Team 
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Program ContactEd Rice Jeffrey Shaw What’s NewRoundabout Outreach and Education Toolbox Stop-Controlled Intersection Safety: Through Route Activated Warning Systems Roundabouts: An Informational Guide, Second Edition (NCHRP Report 672) Roundabouts Peer-to-Peer Assistance How to drive a roundabout (WSDOT) Modern Roundabouts: A Safer Choice FHWA's Intersection Resources Library CD-ROM HighlightsMini-Roundabouts Technical Summary Access Management in the Vicinity of Intersections Technical Summary Intersection Safety Case Studies Intersection Safety Technologies Presentation: Intersection Safety Example Intersection Safety Implementation Plan |
