Professional Documents
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Safety in Design & Operation
Safety in Design & Operation
Safety In Design & Operation
CE 3401
September 30, 2020 9:00 AM
Tim Colling, PhD., P.E., Director
Michigan Technological University
Center for Technology & Training
Safety Terms
Crashes vs Accidents
“Hazardous” or “un‐safe”
Homework for next session
• Find a safety issue
• Write a memo
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Crash Contributing Factors
93%
34%
Roadway Human Factors
27%
3% 57%
3%
1% 6%
Vehicle
3%
Tri‐level study of the causes of traffic accidents: final report.
13% Treat, J. R.; Tumbas, N. S.; McDonald, S. T.; Shinar, D.; Hume,
D.; Mayer, R. E.; Stansifer, R. L.; Castellan, N. J. [less]
1979 05
Contributing Factors
Human:
Including age, experience, judgement, sobriety, attention, fatigue
Vehicle:
Including design, manufacture, maintenance
Roadway / Environment:
Including geometry, cross‐section, traffic control surface friction,
weather, visibility, signage grade
Intersection Crashes
Challenge of intersections: assign right of way without delay or incursions
• 40% of all crashes occur at intersections
• Small area and small occupancy time
• Typically high severity crashes
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Cross Intersection Conflict Points
32 Vehicle Conflict Points
12 Pedestrian Conflicts Points
Right Angle Crashes
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Left Turning Movements
Michigan Left
Poor Left Turn Offset
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Correct Left Turn Offset
Skew Intersections
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Roundabout Conflict Points
8 Vehicle Conflict Points
8 Ped. Conflicts Points
Before A Roundabout
Video courtesy of DLZ Michigan
After A Roundabout
Video courtesy of DLZ Michigan
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Roundabout vs. Traffic Signal
Roundabout Traffic Signal
Cost: $300 K to $500K Cost: $125K to 250K + O&M
Speed: 20 mph Speed: 35 mph +
Safety: Safety: Less
29% to 50% fewer crashes
30 to 73% fewer injury crashes
Delay: Shorter Delay: Longer
Space Required: More Space Required: Less
Geometrics
• Design guidance focused on safety
• Road use vs minimum standards
• New construction vs. maintenance
Grade
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Horizontal Curves
Compound Horizontal Curves
Stopping Sight Distance
Minimum stopping
distance at design
speed
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Intersection Sight Distance
Roadside Design / Clear Zone
Source: US Army Transportation Engineering Agency
Crashworthy Supports
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What is wrong here?
Barriers
• Protect from striking a fixed object
• Protect from lane incursion
• Keep vehicle from an abrupt stop
• Keep vehicle from rollover
• Barriers can be a risk
Barriers
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“Texas Twist”
Discussion from Barrier Videos
• What did you notice about the two barrier types in the video?
• How would you use these two types?
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Traffic Control
Before And After Signal Installation
Of 20 Intersections In Michigan
600
Number Of Crashes
500
400
Before
300
After
200
100
0
Rear End Head On Lt Right Angle Other
Turn
Dilemma Zone: Stopping
Dilemma Zone
Max. Clearing Distance
Minimum Stopping Distance
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Dilemma Zone: Clearing
Dilemma Zone
Max. Clearing Distance
Minimum Stopping Distance
Dilemma Zone Problem?
Red Light Running Statistics
• In urban areas RLR are the most common crash type
(about 20% of crashes at signalized urban intersections)
• Violation frequencies range 1 per 9 hr. to 1 per 3.5 min.
• Nationally 46% of RLR crashes result in injury
• Signalized intersection fatalities – 40% RLR related
• Economic impact of RLR $14 billion annually
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Sign Classifications
Regulatory Signs
• Colored white, red, or black
• Advise of a legal requirement
Sign Classifications
Warning Signs
• Colored yellow
• Provide advanced warning information
• Not enforcement related
Sign Classifications
Guide Signs
• Colored green, brown or blue
• Provide directions
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An Effective Traffic Control Device
• Fulfills a need
• Commands respect & attention
• Provides adequate time for response
• Meets drivers expectations
• Is consistent with other applications
• Conveys a simple message
Fulfill A Need,
Command Respect and Attention,
Give Time to React
Expectancy
The driver expects
this curve to be
signed!
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Consistency
Convey a Simple Message
To simplify messages, the MUTCD specifies
that signs:
• Use standard shapes and colors
• Incorporate symbols whenever possible
• Be easily recognizable
Questions
?
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