Intersections
Intersections constitute a very small part of rural and urban street/highway
systems, yet they are implicated in 40% of all motor vehicle crashes and more
than 9,000 deaths per year (1998 NHTSA data). National statistics show that the
percentage of total motor vehicle accidents classified as intersectional has risen
in the past 20 years. However, the percentage of fatal motor crashes located
at intersections has decreased! This reduction is due in part to the implementation
of improved intersection design/construction, new vehicle designs, and improved
availability and use of various passenger restraints.
The
use of modern "roundabouts" is also worth considering when developing
countermeasures to correct intersection problems. While the number of conversions
of traditional intersections to roundabouts has been small, the results have been
encouraging. For example, annual vehicle crash rates have decreased by an average
of 37% at 11 U.S. intersections with the use of such roundabouts.
Federal
Highway Administration's Stop Red Light Running Campaign
Overview
Red
light running is a dangerous form of aggressive driving. Each year, red light
running accounts for nearly 1,000,000 automobile crashes and over 90,000 injuries
and is associated with more than 1,100 deaths. The cost to the public is an estimated
$7 billion per year in medical expenses, lost productivity, and property damage.
In response, the U.S. Department of Transportation/Federal Highway Administration
created Stop Red Light Running (Stop RLR), a public information and education
campaign about the dangers of red light running. The campaign is predicated on
two elements: ensuring that signal systems are properly working and aggressively
enforcing red light running violations-whether with stepped-up enforcement or
camera system detection.
Results
Following a successful pilot test in Charleston, SC (1994), the FHWA awarded
Stop RLR Campaign mini-grants to 31 communities nationwide for the purpose of
implementing and evaluating local Stop RLR campaign efforts. Hard data indicate
that stepped-up enforcement resulted in a significant increase in traffic-signal-related
citations in several sites. Coupled with increased public awareness of the dangers
of red light running, the campaign led to a decrease in crashes in these same
communities.
After the initial funding period for
the 31 pilot communities, the Stop RLR campaign resulted in an overall reduction
of approximately 50% in the number of red light running incidents and a decrease
of up to 40% in the number of crashes in the localities that provided follow-up
after their campaigns were completed.
Contact
Stop
RLR, 111 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601-3704, 1-877-STOP-555
Colorado Springs, Colorado, guards against red light running
Overview
DRIVE SMART Colorado Springs created an innovative
and effective campaign to educate and stop red light running in Colorado Springs.
The coalition, which was experienced in effectively communicating traffic safety
messages, customized the campaign to send an additional message to drivers: Don't
run red lights! The coalition concentrated specifically on victim spokespersons
and created a video to tell victims' stories. The organization also worked successfully
with law enforcement. Additionally, influential Stop Red Light Running
committee members approached local TV affiliates with the campaign to seek sponsorship,
with the understanding that each station would receive a small cash contribution
($2,000 each) to join as a co-sponsor.
Results
Police agencies issued 35% more red light running citations during the campaign
period compared with the same period the prior year. Media support for the campaign
was tremendous, and shortly after the campaign's conclusion the city council approved
the purchase of red light running cameras.
The police
department is also piloting a red light running sting operation at the community's
dangerous intersections. Additionally, the police department has installed signs
at dangerous intersections, alerting the public that these trouble spots pose
serious threats.
Contact
DRIVE SMART
Colorado Springs, (719) 533-8424
Prince William County,
Virginia, guards against red light running
Overview
Each
year, the Prince William County Police Department chooses a number of intersections
for selective enforcement based on an analysis of traffic crashes in the county.
The department also participates in health and safety fairs; conducts checkpoints;
operates a program known as Smooth Operator, which targets high-risk offenses
such as speeding through yellow lights; and uses a Speed Monitoring Awareness
Radar Trailer (SMART), a self-contained trailer that displays speed to passing
motorists.
Results
Of the 11 intersections
targeted in 1998, nine have shown a reduction in the number of collisions. A total
of 52 intersections were targeted over the past five years, and these efforts
resulted in a reduction in crashes at 33 of these locations.
Contact
Prince William County Police Department's Public Information Office, (703)
792-7245
