Proven Safety Countermeasures | Intersections

11. Systemic Application of Multiple Low-Cost Countermeasures at Stop-Controlled Intersections

Systemic Application of Multiple Low-Cost Countermeasures at Stop-Controlled Intersections

Source: South Carolina DOT

SAFETY BENEFITS:

10%
Reduction in injury and fatal crashes

15%
Reduction in nighttime crashes

This systemic approach to intersection safety involves deploying a group of multiple low-cost countermeasures, such as enhanced signing and pavement markings, at a large number of stopcontrolled intersections within a jurisdiction. It is designed to increase driver awareness and recognition of the intersections and potential conflicts.

Source: South Carolina DOT

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

• Doubled up (left and right), oversized advance intersection warning signs, with street name sign plaques.
• Enhanced pavement markings that delineate through lane edge lines.

On the Stop Approach

• Doubled up (left and right), oversized advance “Stop Aheadâ€� intersection warning signs.
• Doubled up (left and right), oversized Stop signs.
• Retroreflective sheeting on sign posts.
• Properly placed stop bar.
• Removal of any vegetation, parking, or obstruction that limits sight distance.
• Double arrow warning sign at stem of T-intersections.

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.t

https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/provencountermeasures.

previous | Table of Contents | next