The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is addressing intersection safety through the implementation of its 2021 Manual on Intersection Control Evaluation (ICE).
Intersection Safety | April 2021
Roundabout. Source: FDOT
ACTION
In 2015, Florida had the most intersection-related traffic fatalities nationwide. Thirty percent of Florida’s total fatalities were classified as intersection-related that year. The 2016 update to the Florida Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) identified intersection safety as one of the top emphasis areas for the State. To address this emphasis area, FDOT developed an Intersection Control Evaluation (ICE) policy and manual. ICE is a data-driven, performance-based framework and approach used to objectively screen alternatives and identify an optimal geometric and control solution for an intersection. Limiting the number of conflict points at an intersection not only reduces the frequency and severity of crashes, but also improves the overall operation and mobility.
RESULT
FDOT embraced intersection safety as a top priority. In November of 2020, not only did FDOT release its updated 2021 ICE Manual, it also added preliminary control strategy assessment language for bicyclists and pedestrians. FARS data from 2017 to 2019 demonstrated Florida’s intersection related fatalities have decreased by 3.3 percent.
FDOT also is using other intersection related tools for comparing life-cycle and benefit costs of top alternatives during the final stage of a project.
RESOURCES
FDOT’s Intersection Operations and Safety
Last updated: Tuesday, September 6, 2022