Various evaluations of Victoria's accident `black spot' programs have each shown highly cost-effective performance overall, and for several treatment types in particular. However, not all treatment types have been successful. This project identified five treatment types which had not shown the intended effect, because crashes either increased or showed no appreciable reduction in the period after treatment implementation. The five treatment types investigated were pedestrian facilities, bridge guard rail treatments, street lighting improvements, skid resistance treatments and the erection of traffic signal mast arms. The study aimed to improve the effectiveness of these treatment types; to identify black spot location types which warrant a more concerted effort being directed towards countermeasure development; and to refine black spot identification procedures to enhance future programs. The study found that there is scope for improving program development processes through a more rigorous application of procedures for identifying black spot locations and choosing more comprehensive treatments to address crash problems. Improvements to evaluation processes have also been identified. Opportunities to increase the effectiveness of pedestrian operated signals, flush median treatments, skid resistance treatments, traffic signal mast arms and bridge guard rail treatments have been recommended. Further, street lighting has been identified as being successful in reducing night to day crash ratios. The strategic and detailed improvements suggested by this report aim to improve the effectiveness of future black spot programs. (A)
Samenvatting