U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration
FHWA-SA-21-031
This systemic approach to intersection safety involves deploying a package of multiple low-cost countermeasures, including enhanced signing and pavement markings, at a large number of stop-controlled intersections within a jurisdiction. These countermeasures increase driver awareness and recognition of the intersections and potential conflicts.
There are several benefits to systemically applying multiple low-cost countermeasures at stop-controlled intersections, including,
- Resources are maximized because the treatments are low cost.
- A high number of intersections can receive treatment.
- Improvements are highly cost-effective, with an average benefit-cost ratio of 12:1, even assuming a conservative 3-year service life.1
The low-cost countermeasures for stop-controlled intersections generally consist of the following treatments:
On the Through Approach
- Doubled-up (left and right), oversized advance intersection warning signs, with supplemental street name plaques (can also include flashing beacon).
- Retroreflective sheeting on sign posts.
- Enhanced pavement markings that delineate through lane edge lines.
Example of countermeasures on the through approach. Source: South Carolina DOT
On the Stop Approach
- Doubled-up (left and right), oversized advance ”Stop Ahead“ intersection warning signs (can also include flashing beacon).
- Doubled-up (left and right), oversized Stop signs.
- Retroreflective sheeting on sign posts.
- Properly placed stop bar.
- Removal of vegetation, parking, or obstructions that limit sight distance.
- Double arrow warning sign at stem of T-intersections.
Example of countermeasures on the stop approach. Source: South Carolina DOT
Sources
1. (CMF ID: 8867, 8870, 8874, 8893) T. Le et al, "Safety Effects of Low-Cost Systemic Safety Improvements at Signalized and Stop-Controlled Intersections," 96th Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board, Paper Number 17-05379, January 2017.