Abstract
When a vehicle leaves the traveled way and encounters a pavement-shoulder drop-off, it can be difficult for the driver to return safely to the roadway. As the driver attempts to steer back onto the pavement, the side of the tire may scrub along the drop-off, resisting the driver’s attempts. This resistance often leads the driver to overcorrect with more steering input. When the tire finally remounts the pavement, the larger steering angle may cause the vehicle to “slingshot” across the road. This can result in a head-on collision with other traffic or a loss of control and overturning of the vehicle on the roadway or roadside. The safety edge is an innovative treatment intended to minimize drop-off-related crashes. (Author/publisher)