Intersection Safety: A Manual for Local Rural Road Owners

January 2011

FHWA-SA-11-08

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Table of Contents

Notices

Technical Report Documentation Page

1. Introduction and Purpose

1.1. The Intersection Crash Problem
1.2. State Intersection Safety Implementation Plans
1.3. Implementation Approaches

1.3.1. Systematic Approach
1.3.2. Spot Location Approach
1.3.3. Comprehensive Approach

1.4. Information in this Document

2. Identifying Safety Issues

2.1. State and Local Crash Databases
2.2. Law Enforcement Crash Reports and Citations
2.3. Observational Information
2.4. Public Notifications
2.5. Roadway Data
2.6. Exposure Data

3. Safety Analysis

3.1. Crash Frequency
3.2. Crash Rate
3.3. Geometric Issues

3.3.1. Sight Distance
3.3.2. Skewed Geometry

3.4. Field Reviews

4. Countermeasures

4.1. Enhanced Sign and Pavement Marking Improvements
4.2. Select Intersection Countermeasures
4.3. Funding Intersection Safety Countermeasures

5. Evaluation

6. Summary

Appendix A – Resources and References

Appendix B – MUTCD Compliance Issues at Rural, Two-Way Stop-Controlled Intersections

List of Figures

Figure 1. Intersection Fatalities by Year
Figure 2. Steps to Address Intersection Safety
Figure 3. Sight Distance Triangles for 4-Leg Stop-controlled Intersections
Figure 4. Skewed Intersection
Figure 5. Basic Package for Intersections Experiencing Crashes

List of Tables

Table 1. Sample Spreadsheet to Monitor Crashes/Observations at Local Intersections
Table 2. Example of the Intersection Crash Rate Calculation
Table 3. Design Intersection Sight Distance – Left Turn, Right Turn, and Crossing from a Stop
Table 4. Example Spreadsheet to Monitor Countermeasure Application History and Crash/Observational Data

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For More Information

Federal Highway Administration
Office of Safety
1200 New Jersey Ave, SE
Washington, DC 20590-9898
http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov