Policy and Planning
The Role of Complete Streets in Roadway Safety
When we talk about road safety, the conversation often revolves around reducing vehicle crashes and improving driver behavior. But modern transportation planning takes a broader and smarter approach. Enter the concept of Complete Streets: a design philosophy that considers the safety, accessibility, and needs of all users of the road, not just drivers. Complete Streets are about designing roads that are safer and more usable for everyone, including pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit riders, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. This approach is increasingly being adopted by municipalities aiming to reduce traffic fatalities and improve quality of life. What Makes a Street “Complete”? A Complete Street isn't a one-size-fits-all model. It’s a framework. Each community can implement it differently depending on context, but the features often include: Clearly marked crosswalks and pedestrian signals Bike lanes or shared-use paths Sidewalks on both sides of the road Median islands or curb extensions to reduce crossing distances Dedicated space for transit stops Traffic calming measures like speed humps or narrower lanes These elements don’t just look nice. They save lives. How Complete Streets Improve Safety Fewer Crashes, Fewer Fatalities Streets designed with pedestrians and cyclists in mind naturally lead to slower driving speeds, better visibility, and more predictable movement patterns. Studies have shown that communities implementing Complete Streets strategies often see significant drops in collision rates. Reduces Conflict Points Properly marked bike lanes and turn lanes help separate users and reduce confusion, which lowers the chances of side-swipes or turning accidents. Protects Vulnerable Road Users Complete Streets prioritize those who are most at risk, like children walking to school or seniors crossing a wide intersection. Raised medians, pedestrian refuges, and timed signals give these users a safer experience. Encourages Safer Driver Behavior Narrower lanes and visual cues like trees or street furniture encourage drivers to slow down. Unlike speed limit signs alone, these physical changes influence behavior organically. It’s Not Just About Safety While safety is at the core of Complete Streets, the benefits go even further: Improved public health through more walkable environments Increased economic activity in downtowns and commercial corridors Greater transportation equity for residents who don’t drive Reduced congestion and emissions by supporting alternative modes of travel Making the Shift Implementing Complete Streets doesn’t mean every road gets a total makeover overnight. Many towns start small by adding curb ramps, repainting faded crosswalks, or reducing lane widths to make room for bikes. Funding can come from state grants, federal programs like Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A), or local capital improvement budgets. The key is to integrate Complete Streets into every road project, from repaving to new construction. Final Thoughts Complete Streets are a powerful tool in the mission to create safer, more inclusive roadways. By thinking beyond just cars and focusing on people, towns and cities can reduce injuries, save lives, and create public spaces that serve everyone. Investing in safer infrastructure isn’t just a design trend: it’s a public safety imperative.
Safety Countermeasures
The Mighty Road Cone: A Small Tool with Big Jobs in Highway Maintenance
When you think of highway maintenance, chances are big machines and bright yellow vests come to mind. But there’s one simple tool that quietly plays a crucial role in keeping things safe and running smoothly: the humble road cone. Yep—those bright orange cones do way more than just sit around looking like traffic decorations. Let’s take a look at all the ways road cones are used in highway maintenance and why they’re such a vital part of the job. 1. Marking Work Zones This one’s obvious, but it’s worth saying: road cones are essential for alerting drivers to active work zones. Whether it’s a crew fixing a pothole or replacing a guardrail, cones create a visual boundary that lets drivers know to slow down and steer clear. They help protect workers and drivers by clearly marking where it’s safe to go—and where it’s not. 2. Directing Traffic Flow Cones are often used to temporarily shift traffic lanes during construction or emergency repairs. They can form “cone patterns” to guide cars through detours, taper lanes, or merge traffic in a safe and controlled way. When the regular flow of traffic gets disrupted, cones step in to keep things organized and flowing. 3. Marking Hazards Sometimes the road just throws a curveball—like a sinkhole, downed tree, or blown tire debris. Until crews can get out and make repairs or clear the hazard, cones can be quickly deployed to warn drivers and prevent accidents. They're also used to mark wet paint, fresh asphalt, or any surface that needs time to set. 4. Supporting Night Work with Reflectivity Modern road cones are often equipped with reflective strips, making them highly visible at night. That’s a big deal for overnight highway maintenance when visibility is low but the work still needs to get done. Reflective cones make sure that work zones stay safe after dark. 5. Training and Temporary Testing Road cones are frequently used for temporary setups when testing new traffic patterns or equipment, and in training scenarios for drivers or heavy equipment operators. Because they’re easy to move and reposition, cones are perfect for trying things out before making permanent changes. 6. Pedestrian and Worker Safety It’s not just about drivers. Road cones are often used to carve out walkways for pedestrians during sidewalk repairs or to give maintenance crews a safe buffer zone from passing traffic. They also help define staging areas for equipment and materials on a job site. 7. Emergency Situations Police and first responders use cones to redirect traffic after accidents, fires, or floods. In highway maintenance, they’re used to quickly block off damaged roadways or reroute traffic due to sudden closures. Because they’re lightweight and stackable, cones are easy to deploy fast when every second counts. Small but Mighty They might not be the flashiest tools in the shed, but road cones are absolutely essential to highway maintenance. They’re cheap, versatile, easy to use, and—most importantly—they help save lives by improving safety and clarity on the road. Next time you drive by a line of orange cones, give them a little mental nod of appreciation. They're doing a lot more work than you think.
Traffic Signals
The Many Types of Traffic Signal Vehicle Detection
Vehicle detection at traffic signals involves various technologies designed to detect the presence or movement of vehicles. These systems optimize traffic flow, reduce congestion, and improve safety. Below are the main types of vehicle detection technologies used at traffic signals: Inductive Loop Detectors How it Works: Inductive loops are embedded in the roadway and detect vehicles through changes in electromagnetic fields caused by metal objects passing over or stopping on them. Applications: Widely used due to their reliability and accuracy. Advantages: Accurate in detecting stopped and moving vehicles. Disadvantages: Requires installation in the pavement, which can be expensive and disruptive. Video-Based Detection How it Works: Cameras monitor the traffic and use image processing algorithms to detect vehicles. Applications: Common in modern traffic systems for multi-lane and complex intersections. Advantages: Can cover multiple lanes and provide additional data, such as vehicle speed and queue length. Disadvantages: Sensitive to environmental conditions like fog, rain, and glare. Radar Detectors How it Works: Uses radio waves to detect vehicle speed and presence. Applications: Often used for advanced traffic management systems. Advantages: Effective in various weather conditions and can detect vehicles from a distance. Disadvantages: More expensive compared to some other methods. Infrared Detectors How it Works: Detects vehicles based on the heat they emit or through the reflection of infrared signals. Applications: Useful for detecting vehicles in low-light or nighttime conditions. Advantages: Non-intrusive and effective in certain environments. Disadvantages: Performance can be affected by weather conditions like fog or heavy rain. Magnetic Sensors How it Works: Measures changes in the earth’s magnetic field caused by vehicles passing over or near the sensor. Applications: Used for smaller intersections or temporary setups. Advantages: Compact and easy to install. Disadvantages: Limited detection range and sensitivity to large metal objects. Ultrasonic Detectors How it Works: Emits ultrasonic waves and detects vehicles based on the reflected signals. Applications: Typically used in parking and low-speed environments but occasionally at intersections. Advantages: Works well in low-traffic areas and is non-intrusive. Disadvantages: Affected by environmental factors like temperature and airflow. Acoustic Sensors How it Works: Uses sound waves to detect vehicles based on the noise they generate. Applications: Less common but useful in specific scenarios where other technologies may not work. Advantages: Non-intrusive and suitable for certain environments. Disadvantages: Performance can be affected by background noise. Microwave Sensors How it Works: Uses microwave signals to detect vehicle presence, speed, and movement. Applications: Commonly used in modern traffic systems. Advantages: Works in all weather conditions and provides high accuracy. Disadvantages: More expensive compared to simpler detection methods. Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) How it Works: Wireless nodes embedded in the road communicate vehicle data to traffic systems. Applications: Emerging technology used in smart city applications. Advantages: Easy installation and scalable. Disadvantages: Relatively new and may require robust maintenance. LiDAR-Based Detection How it Works: Uses laser pulses to detect and map the position of vehicles. Applications: Advanced systems, often integrated with autonomous vehicle infrastructure. Advantages: High precision and multi-dimensional data. Disadvantages: Expensive and complex. The choice of detection technology depends on factors like cost, environmental conditions, intersection complexity, and traffic management goals.
Safety Countermeasures
The Safety Benefits of Backplates with Retroreflective Borders at Intersections
Intersections are critical points on the road where traffic meets and diverges, and they are often locations where accidents are more likely to occur. Among the various safety measures that help reduce these risks, one effective but sometimes overlooked tool is the use of backplates with retroreflective borders on traffic signals. These simple enhancements can significantly improve signal visibility, reduce traffic accidents, and ultimately make intersections safer, particularly in low-light conditions. What Are Backplates with Retroreflective Borders? A backplate is a panel positioned behind a traffic signal to improve its visibility. These panels are often made from durable materials like metal or plastic. The purpose of a backplate is to make the signal more noticeable, especially when visibility is poor, such as at night or in inclement weather. When retroreflective borders are added to the backplate, the visibility of the signal is greatly enhanced. Retroreflective borders are strips of material designed to reflect light back toward its source, such as headlights from an oncoming vehicle. This material, which can consist of glass beads or prismatic lenses, is placed around the edges of the backplate. These reflective strips increase the contrast between the signal and its surroundings, making it stand out more clearly, especially when illuminated by vehicle headlights. How Backplates with Retroreflective Borders Improve Intersection Safety Enhanced Visibility in Low-Light Conditions One of the primary benefits of backplates with retroreflective borders is the improved visibility they provide, especially at night or during adverse weather conditions like fog, rain, or snow. In low-light environments, it can be difficult for drivers to spot traffic signals, especially if they are not well-illuminated. The retroreflective borders brighten the outline of the signal, making it stand out more clearly. When vehicle headlights hit the retroreflective material, the light is reflected back toward the driver, increasing the visibility of the signal from a greater distance. This ensures that drivers are more likely to notice the signal change, giving them ample time to react and reduce the risk of running a red light or failing to stop. Minimized Signal Confusion and Missed Signals Traffic signals without backplates or retroreflective borders can easily blend into their surroundings, making it difficult for drivers to spot them or distinguish one signal from another. This confusion can lead to dangerous situations, such as drivers proceeding through an intersection without realizing the light has changed. The addition of retroreflective borders provides clear, high-contrast outlining that makes it easier for drivers to identify the signal, reducing the chances of missing it or misinterpreting its meaning. This is particularly helpful in busy intersections with multiple traffic signals or complex layouts, where the risk of confusing one signal for another is higher. Reduced Driver Distractions Intersections, especially those in urban areas, often have many distractions, such as billboards, storefronts, and other visual clutter that can divert a driver's attention away from important signals. Backplates with retroreflective borders help reduce these distractions by providing a clear, well-defined signal that stands out against the surrounding environment. By enhancing signal visibility, retroreflective borders ensure that drivers remain focused on the traffic signal, which is crucial for making timely and safe driving decisions. With fewer distractions competing for their attention, drivers can better respond to changes in traffic control. Fewer Accidents and Faster Reaction Times The added visibility provided by backplates with retroreflective borders helps reduce accidents, especially those caused by delayed or failed responses to traffic signals. Research has shown that intersections equipped with retroreflective signal backplates see a decrease in crashes, particularly rear-end collisions, which often occur when a driver fails to notice a red light or stop signal in time. The clear visibility of the signal allows drivers to respond more quickly to changes in traffic flow, such as stopping for a red light or yielding to other vehicles. In high-traffic areas, this can significantly reduce the risk of collisions and improve overall intersection safety. Increased Safety for Pedestrians and Cyclists Though primarily designed to aid vehicle drivers, backplates with retroreflective borders also indirectly improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. When traffic signals are more visible to drivers, there is a greater chance that they will observe signals indicating pedestrian crossings or cyclist lanes. This helps reduce the risk of accidents involving vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians in crosswalks or cyclists navigating intersections. The higher visibility of traffic signals can encourage better driver behavior, such as yielding to pedestrians or stopping at the correct time. This contributes to a safer environment for everyone at the intersection. Cost-Effective Safety Measure One of the most compelling aspects of backplates with retroreflective borders is their cost-effectiveness. Compared to other infrastructure improvements, such as adding additional lighting or upgrading entire traffic signal systems, retroreflective backplates are relatively inexpensive to install. This makes them a practical solution for municipalities looking to improve intersection safety without significant investment. Since retroreflective borders are low-maintenance and durable, they provide a long-term solution for enhancing signal visibility without requiring frequent repairs or replacements. Backplates with retroreflective borders are a simple but highly effective safety feature for intersections. By making traffic signals more visible, especially at night or in low-visibility conditions, these backplates help reduce confusion, prevent missed signals, and improve driver response times. They also offer increased safety for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as a cost-effective way to improve intersection safety. As cities continue to prioritize road safety, the use of backplates with retroreflective borders will play an increasingly important role in reducing accidents and enhancing traffic flow at intersections. With their ability to improve visibility and reduce crashes, backplates with retroreflective borders are a small but significant part of making our roads safer for everyone.
Safety Countermeasures
Roundabouts: Enhancing Safety at Intersections
Roundabouts are becoming an increasingly common feature on roadways worldwide, and for good reason. As a safer, more efficient alternative to traditional intersections, roundabouts have been shown to reduce both the frequency and severity of accidents. By promoting smoother traffic flow and minimizing conflict points, roundabouts have proven to be a vital tool in improving road safety. Here’s how they make intersections safer and why they are gaining popularity. 1. Reducing Collision Types Traditional intersections with traffic signals or stop signs often result in dangerous crash types, such as right-angle (T-bone) collisions, head-on crashes, and rear-end accidents. These types of crashes tend to be severe, especially when they occur at higher speeds. In contrast, roundabouts greatly reduce these risks. Roundabouts are designed so that traffic moves in a continuous, circular motion, meaning vehicles are always turning, rather than facing one another at right angles. The geometry of the roundabout makes it nearly impossible for cars to collide head-on or side-swipe one another, as vehicles must yield to traffic already in the roundabout. Additionally, the lower speeds in roundabouts significantly reduce the severity of any crashes that may occur, often preventing fatalities or serious injuries. 2. Lower Speeds, Less Risk One of the key features of roundabouts is their design, which forces drivers to slow down as they approach the intersection. Unlike traffic signals or stop signs, which can lead to sudden stops and starts, roundabouts maintain a continuous flow of traffic, but at lower speeds. This speed reduction makes collisions less severe and gives drivers more time to react in the event of an emergency. Roundabouts are usually designed with tight curves that naturally encourage drivers to reduce their speed before entering. In addition, the central island and various entry and exit points create a funnel effect, slowing down traffic and reducing the chances of dangerous high-speed accidents. 3. Fewer Conflict Points Traditional intersections typically have multiple conflict points where vehicles and pedestrians cross paths. For example, at a standard four-way intersection, there are as many as 32 potential conflict points, where vehicles can collide in various ways. This includes turning, crossing, and merging movements at high speed, which are often the cause of accidents. In comparison, roundabouts dramatically reduce these conflict points to only 8, which are mostly at lower speeds. The reduced number of conflict points minimizes the likelihood of crashes, as vehicles only interact with each other at the points of entry and exit, and there is no opportunity for vehicles to collide head-on or at right angles. 4. Improved Pedestrian Safety Roundabouts also offer significant benefits for pedestrians. Traditional intersections can be dangerous for pedestrians, especially when crossing multiple lanes of traffic or waiting at traffic signals. In a roundabout, pedestrians are only required to cross one lane of traffic at a time, and they typically cross at the entry or exit points of the circle, where vehicles are already slowed down. Furthermore, the lower speeds in roundabouts give drivers more time to notice pedestrians and respond safely. The raised central island in many roundabouts also offers a refuge for pedestrians crossing, enhancing their safety. In some roundabout designs, pedestrian crossings are set back from the roundabout itself, allowing pedestrians to cross one direction of traffic at a time while cars are slowed. 5. Reduced Traffic Congestion and Delays Although the primary safety benefit of roundabouts is the reduction in crashes, they also help reduce traffic congestion and delays. Unlike traditional intersections with traffic signals, which can create bottlenecks when lights turn red, roundabouts allow for continuous traffic flow. As a result, vehicles spend less time waiting to move, which can reduce frustration and aggressive driving behaviors that might lead to accidents. Roundabouts have been shown to improve traffic flow by up to 30% compared to traditional intersections. This efficiency not only improves the overall driving experience but also contributes to safety by reducing the number of impatient drivers attempting to rush through intersections. 6. Benefits for Cyclists Roundabouts are also safer for cyclists compared to traditional intersections. While cyclists still need to be cautious and follow traffic rules, the lower speeds of vehicles in roundabouts make it easier for cyclists to navigate safely. Many roundabouts include dedicated bike lanes or paths, helping cyclists move more easily through the area. Additionally, the slower traffic speeds reduce the likelihood of accidents between cyclists and motor vehicles, making roundabouts a more welcoming and safer option for two-wheeled travelers. 7. Environmental and Aesthetic Benefits Although not directly related to safety, the design of roundabouts also offers environmental and aesthetic benefits that indirectly contribute to safer roads. Many roundabouts are landscaped, adding visual appeal and reducing driver fatigue, which can lead to more alert and cautious driving behavior. Additionally, the lack of traffic signals and the smooth flow of traffic reduce idling and greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to better air quality. Roundabouts offer a simple yet highly effective way to improve road safety at intersections. By reducing conflict points, promoting lower speeds, and encouraging smoother traffic flow, roundabouts decrease the likelihood of severe accidents and provide safer environments for both drivers and pedestrians. As cities and towns continue to embrace roundabouts, their role in reducing road fatalities and improving overall traffic safety will only become more prominent. With their impressive track record, roundabouts are poised to be a key part of the future of intersection design, ensuring that we can travel more safely and efficiently on our roadways.
Policy and Planning
Safe Driveway Design
Driveways present an often overlooked potential for accidents. Traffic entering the road from a driveway faces the same conflicts as traffic at an intersection. Therefore, the design and location of a driveway can affect the safety of the road. Because accident rates and congestion increase as the number of driveways goes up, more and more communities are turning to access management to maintain the safety and capacity of their roads. By requiring subdivision lots to share driveways, the number of entrances can be reduced. This improves the safety and traffic flow on the road. Access management primarily applies to arterials and collectors because they carry a large amount of traffic. Land access is the main role of local roads, so it does not make sense to be overly restrictive. Landowners should be required to obtain a highway work or building permit for construction within the right-of-way of a public road, including driveways. The permit review and inspection process can minimize the safety and operational effects on the road, and make sure it is built correctly with no damage to the roadway. It allows the municipality to make sure hazardous headwalls are not built within the right-of-way. Poorly designed driveways should be brought up to current standards under these circumstances: • The property is redeveloped • The municipal planning board decrees a change of use • The municipality should upgrade nonstandard driveways during construction projects An existing nonstandard driveway can be ‘grandfathered’ unless the accident history shows it to be unsafe. Forcing alterations to existing driveways is a good way to become unpopular with the natives. Business owners tend to be especially sensitive to changes that they think may make it more difficult for customers or deliveries. Proper driveway design helps prevent this. The frequency of accidents on a road has been shown to increase as more driveways are built. Minor commercial and residential lots should be limited to one driveway for this reason. Driveways should be perpendicular to the street. Angled driveways cause difficulties for older drivers and others with restricted neck movement. Older drivers are becoming an increasing portion of the population. Acceptable angles range from 75 to 105 degrees. Twelve feet in width is usually sufficient for residential driveways. Minor commercial driveways are normally 24 feet wide, but can range from 22 to 30 feet. The corner radius needs to be sufficient for the vehicles using the driveway. Sight distance for driveways is similar to sight distance for intersections. Three types of sight distance are important in driveway design. The minimum allowable sight distance approaching the driveway should be stopping sight distance. This allows drivers approaching the driveway to see a vehicle exiting the driveway in time to stop and avoid a collision. Preferably, drivers turning out of a driveway or making a left turn into it should be able to see oncoming traffic from far enough away to make the turn safely. Often a building lot will be in a location with less than desirable sight distance. In this case, the driveway should be placed at the location along the lot’s frontage with the best sight distance. This is a good requirement to have in the municipal building code. Planning boards should require that all parcels have safe driveway locations when property is subdivided.
Road Work
The Importance of Barricade Safety Lights
You're driving home late from work one night when you notice flashing lights. It's not an ambulance or a police vehicle, but the small warning lights indicating that road work is being done in the area. You slow down and drive through the work zone without issue. While you might see these lights once in a blue moon, there is no denying the importance of them. Barricades are an essential part of any road working project. They indicate the border of the zone and prevent traffic from causing interruptions. Reflective strips on these barricades can help at night or in overcast conditions, but they rely on the headlights of passing cars to shine on them. Safety lights shine independently and are visible from a greater distance. They can be attached to various barricades and placed on top of traffic cones to bolster the presence of a road work zone. Multiple lights can be used to indicate where traffic will divert when a lane must be closed. The battery life of safety lights is a crucial factor in ensuring that barricades are effective. Incandescent lights are typically the less expensive option; LED safety lights last longer and use less power to give off the same amount of light. Solar is also available in providing a longer battery life through small solar panels that are attached to the lights.