Newsletter - May/June 2004
2003 FARS Numbers Released
The early assessment of the 2003 FARS numbers has been released. The initial reports show an increase in fatalities to 43,220 from 42,815 in 2002. View a NHTSA press releaseStates Implementing the AASHTO Strategic Highway Safety Plan
Over 30 States are participating in the development and implementation of State Comprehensive Highway Safety Plans and/or emphasis area Implementation Guides. These activities are part of the implementation of the AASHTO Strategic Highway Safety Plan and achieving a national fatality of rate of 1.0 death per 100 million VMT (vehicle miles traveled) by 2008.
On May 11-12, 2004, a peer-to-peer exchange will be held for the States implementing one or more of the Guides. The purpose is to share information on States' accomplishments, solutions to problems, and key actions needed. The Guides offer a mix of strategies to reduce deaths and injuries in emphasis areas. See page 6 of the FHWA Safety Resources section of the newsletter for more details.
A peer-to-peer exchange for the States developing and implementing their own Comprehensive Highway Safety Plans will be conducted in September 2004.
A bi-monthly newsletter, Lifelines, on the implementation of the AASHTO Strategic Highway Safety Plan is available at http://safety.transportation.org.
Safer Journey Interactive Bicycle Safety Awareness CD-ROM, FHWA-SA-03-013
This is a new interactive CD (English/Spanish)
that takes the user through various bicycle safety scenarios encountered
every day across America. It has been developed to improve the level
of bicycle knowledge for all road users and safety practitioners.
Order a CD
A Review of Pedestrian Safety Research in the United States and Abroad
New FHWA report examines pedestrian safety in the United States and abroad. The report includes information on pedestrian crash characteristics, measures of pedestrian exposure and hazard, and specific roadway features and their effects on pedestrian safety. Such features include crosswalks and alternative crossing treatments, signalization, provisions for pedestrians with disabilities, bus stop location, school crossing measures, reflectorization and conspicuity, grade-separated crossings, traffic-calming measures, and sidewalks and paths. Contact Ann Do at 202-493-3319 for more information.
Accessible Sidewalks and Street Crossings: On the Safe Side, FHWA-SA-03-017
This is a newly released poster-sized brochure that condenses much of the information in the Part 2: Designing Sidewalks and Trails for Access: Best Practices Design Guide. One side of the poster has information on the legal framework for the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, understanding sidewalk users, sidewalk corridors, sidewalks grades and cross slopes, sidewalk surfaces, protruding objects in the pedestrian environment, driveway crossings, curb ramps, accessible pedestrian signals, and pedestrian crossings. Much of the second side of the brochure contains a map that demonstrates how various ADA treatments look in the roadway environment. And for those who prefer a booklet format rather than a poster, there is Accessible Sidewalks and Street Crossings: an Informational Guide (FHWA-SA-03-019), which has all of the information as the poster sized document, but without the map. The booklet is 40 pages long spiral-bound. Order a brochure/booklet
Intersection Safety Issue Briefs
This is a new series of Issue Briefs on various intersection safety-related topics. The briefs are primarily for traffic engineers and transportation and safety professionals.
The topics included within the kit includes:
- The National Intersection Safety Problem
- Traffic Control Devices: Uses and Misuses
- Stop Signs
- Signals
- Engineering Countermeasures to Reduce Red Light Running
- Red-Light Cameras
- Intersection Safety Countermeasures
- Pedestrian Safety
- Older Drivers
- ADA Considerations at Intersections
- Human Factors
- Access Management
- Roundabouts
- Road Safety Audits
- Work Zones Resources
Printed Copies of the Intersection Safety Issue Briefs can be obtained by contacting Louisa Ward at 202-366-2218 or louisa.ward@fhwa.dot.gov. The briefs will also be posted to the Safety Web Site http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov
New Comprehensive Intersection Resource Library CD-ROM, FHWA-SA-04-002
This is a compilation of resources about traditional signalized and un-signalized intersections, roundabouts, highway/rail grade crossings, and other nontraditional intersection designs. Contact Louisa Ward at 202-366-2218 or louisa.ward@fhwa.dot.gov.
Signalized Intersections: Informational Guide, FHWA-HRT-04-091
Available in Fall 2004 - A comprehensive guide that provides methods for evaluating the safety and operations of signalized intersections and tools to remedy deficiencies. The information contained in this guide is based on the latest research available.Copies will be distributed to all FHWA Divisions and Resource Center locations.
Copies may also be obtained from the FHWA Report Center by e-mail to report.center@fhwa.dot.gov or by fax to 301-577-1421, by phone to 301-577-0818 or on-line at www.tfhrc.gov/safety/intersect.htm. Contact Joe Bared, 202-493-3314.
Saving Lives &A Vital Goal Vision: Improving Transportation for a Strong America. Goal: To continually improve highway safety by reducing the number of highway fatalities and injuries including large trucks. Ensuring safe travel on highways is a guiding principle throughout the FHWA. Focus: High-risk areas through technical assistance, research, training, data analysis, and public information as well as through compliance and education. The FHWA is working with safety partners to heighten safety awareness within the highway community, business, industry, and the Public. Top Priorities: Roadway Departure, Intersections, and Pedestrians |
