Key First Steps

There are several key first steps that need to be taken before actual countermeasure implementation activities begin.

1. The draft implementation plan should be presented to the Districts and other affected Headquarters organizations to share, review, provide input, and understand the conceptual enhancements to the safety program.
2. Initial preparatory materials need to be developed, training provided, and processes established to begin implementation of the low-cost countermeasures being considered for systematic deployment. These countermeasures include sign and marking enhancements for curves, centerline rumble strips on rural non-freeway highways, edge line and shoulder rumble strips, and tree removal in rural areas.
3. Meetings need to be arranged with appropriate Maintenance, Design, and Planning personnel to further explore and define the processes and responsibilities that need to be developed to consider the incorporation of low-cost, cost-effective countermeasures into other program categories such as the resurfacing program and the surface transportation improvement program. The primary low-cost countermeasures to consider for inclusion in other project types at targeted high-crash sections are as follows: sign and marking enhancements for horizontal curves, centerline rumble strips in rural areas, edge line and shoulder rumble strips, expansion of the use of the pavement wedge from safety projects to all projects, tree removal in rural areas, and higher friction surfaces and/or surface drainage improvements.
4. Meetings need to be arranged with the Governor's Highway Safety Representative and appropriate police personnel to review the crash data that identifies highway sections with concentrations of speeding, unbelted, and alcohol-related crash histories. Targeted enforcement and education initiatives need to be developed and considered for implementation at many of these locations to reduce the potential for future similar crashes.
5. Data needs to be further analyzed and shared with regional and division personnel along with the Governor's Highway Safety Representative to identify candidate corridors and cities for the 3-E comprehensive initiatives.
6. The Roadway Departure Safety Committee created under the Strategic Highway Safety Plan should provide guidance and address issues and problems that arise during the implementation of the program. The committee should meet on a planned quarterly basis throughout the implementation phase.
7. The STATE DOT LEAD OFFICE should develop and deploy a tracking system to monitor the implementation of the various types of countermeasures being deployed. This system should include forms designed to secure "before" and "after" targeted crash histories, dates of implementation, linkages to other roadway departure improvements being implemented under other programs, and other information deemed pertinent.