SIGNALIZED INTERSECTION SAFETY IN EUROPE

More than one third of the intersection-related fatal crashes in the United States occur at signalized intersections. The Federal Highway Administration, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, and National Cooperative Highway Research Program sponsored a scanning study of Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom to review innovative safety practices in planning, designing, operating and maintaining signalized intersections. The delegation observed that highway safety improvements are a priority in the European countries visited, with an emphasis on reducing fatalities. Programs for intersection safety focus on reducing vehicle speed through innovative methods, using computerized signal timing optimization programs, and providing road users with consistent information. The scanning team's recommendations for U.S. implementation include developing a model photo enforcement program to reduce red-light running, enhancing dilemma-zone detection at high-speed rural intersections, and promoting roundabouts as alternatives to signalized intersections. The team also recommends controlling vehicle speed through intersections with such techniques as speed tables, pavement markings and changeable message signs.