This study was driven by the need to improve consistency in the methods and approach that local agencies use to address crosswalks. This study focuses on the question of how a crosswalk should be enhanced with additional countermeasures, if any, once the decision is made to mark it. During the research portion of this project, it was found that the primary information agencies use that provides guidance for decisions on how to mark crosswalks comes from the Federal Highway Administration. A quick reference guide was developed from FHWA’s Guide for Improving Pedestrian Safety at Uncontrolled Crossing Locations, July 2018, that will help agencies determine when to use different countermeasures based on roadway type, vehicle volumes, and posted speed limits. In addition, fact sheets for twelve countermeasures identified in the document were developed to explain what the benefit of each one is, when it is best applied, and how to provide high-level planning cost for each one.
This guide was developed based on guidance from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Pedestrian Crosswalk Policy Development Guidelines. (Report 2020RIC01), a Local Road Research Board study that aims to improve pedestrian safety at uncontrolled crosswalks.
Appropriate deceleration on approaches to roundabouts is primarily accomplished through the use of applicable geometric design principles. However, traffic control devices (specifically signing and makings on approach) also serve a vital role in communicating to the approaching driver what speed profile should be anticipated. This report provides a resource for engineers to identify and select appropriate speed-reduction treatments for high- speed approaches to roundabouts. The research examines best practices and techniques that are the most effective at lowering approach speed.
The issue of reducing speed limits to increase public safety is an emotional, political, and controversial topic that has been debated by safety advocates, engineers, politicians, transportation officials, and the public for many years. A recent statutory change has put a spotlight on the topic, necessitating a deeper look into how speed limits are established and the effectiveness that lowering speed limits has on reducing vehicle traveling speeds, as well as the impacts on pedestrian and bicycle traffic. This document examines the history of speed limits, the recent statutory change, and the consequence of the change to communities. In addition, it examines the effectiveness of speed limit changes and outlines a process for agencies to follow when deciding to make a change, and offers alternative strategies for pedestrian and bicycle safety.
