Over 7,000 people lost their lives at intersections in 2009. The Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) database indicates more people die at stop-controlled intersections compared to those that died at intersections controlled by traffic signals. A set of low-cost, infrastructure-based, intelligent transportation system (ITS) countermeasures has the potential to be used in an innovative way to provide substantial safety benefits to motorists at stop-controlled intersections with crash histories or the potential for severe crashes. Missouri and North Carolina have successfully deployed such technologies, called through route activated warning systems, at several stop-controlled intersections. The following document summarizes information on the technology, knowledge gained from the installations in North Carolina and Missouri, and guidance for applying the countermeasure at other stop-controlled intersections. This report will be of interest to safety engineers, traffic engineers, and State and local authorities with responsibility for public safety. This document does not supersede any previous document. This report provides information on low cost infrastructure based ITS technologies that may be applied to stop-controlled intersections to improve safety. Crashes at stop-controlled intersections are substantially lower than crashes at signalized intersections; however, overall, more fatalities occur at stop-controlled intersections than occur at signalized intersections. The major type of crash that occurs at stop-controlled intersections is a two-vehicle angle crash between a vehicle on the stop approach and a vehicle on the through approach. The through route activated warning system have been used in an innovative way to provide enhanced intersection safety information to entering traffic compared to traditional sign and marking enhancements. This system is highlighted in this report. North Carolina and Missouri have deployed the technology at several stop-controlled intersections. Noteworthy practices on sign message, site selection, design, and operation of the system are provided. The through traffic advanced warning system is a tried technology. While preliminary crash data analysis indicates the potential for a substantial reduction in crashes, there is insufficient data at this time to prove or validate its effectiveness. (Author/publisher) For this report, see http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/intersection/resources/fhwasa11015/
Abstract