Making Intersections Safer:

A Toolbox of Engineering Countermeasures
to Reduce Red-Light Running

An Informational Report

HTML Version

The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) is an international educational and scientific association of transportation and traffic engineers and other professionals who are responsible for meeting mobility and safety needs. ITE facilitates the application of technology and scientific principles to research, planning, functional design, implementation, operation, policy development and management for any mode of transportation by promoting professional development of members, supporting and encouraging education, stimulating research, developing public awareness, and exchanging professional information; and by maintaining a central point of reference and action.

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Institute of Transportation Engineers
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Washington, DC 20005-3438 USA
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© 2003 Institute of Transportation Engineers. All rights reserved.
Publication No. IR-115
500/STP/CAA/PMR/0503

ISBN: 0-935403-76-0
Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

CHAPTER 1
    Introduction

• The Problem
• Alternative Solutions
• Objective of Report
• Report Organization

CHAPTER 2
    Understanding Red-Light Running

• Red-Light Running Defined
• Red-Light Running Violation Frequency
• Safety Impacts of Red-Light Running
• Crash Types Related to Red-Light Running
• Driver Characteristics
• Intersection Characteristics
• Drivers' Stop-Go Decision
• Causal Factors and Potential Countermeasures
• Summary

CHAPTER 3
    Engineering Countermeasures

• Introduction
• Improve Signal Visibility
• Improve Signal Conspicuity
• Increase Likelihood of Stopping
• Address Intentional Violations
• Eliminate Need to Stop
• Summary

CHAPTER 4
    Red-Light Running Problem Identification and Resolution Process

• Introduction
• The Process
• Summary

CHAPTER 5
    Future Needs

• Research and Development
• Improved Crash Data for Red-Light Running
• Improved Guidelines and/or Standards
• Improved Procedures and Programs

REFERENCES

LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES

CHAPTER 2

• Table 2-1: Summary of Violation Data for Iowa Cities
• Figure 2-1: Red-Light Running Crashes Injury Distribution
• Table 2-2: Summary of Costs Resulting from Ran Traffic-Signal Crashes in Iowa (1996-1998)
• Figure 2-2: Common Crash Types Associated with Red-Light Running
• Table 2-3: Summary of Intersection Characteristics on Likelihood of Red-Light Running Crash
• Table 2-4: Factors Affecting the Stop-Go Decision
• Table 2-5: Driver Population Types
• Table 2-6: Possible Causes and Appropriate Countermeasures for Red-Light Running

CHAPTER 3

• Figure 3-1: Intersection with One Signal Head
• Table 3-1: Minimum Sight Distance
• Figure 3-2: Post-Mounted Signal Blocked by Vehicle
• Figure 3-3: Post-Mounted Signal no Longer Blocked by Vehicle
• Figure 3-4: Intersection Approach with Two Signal Heads
• Figure 3-5: Approach Updated with One Overhead Signal for Each Through Lane
• Figure 3-6: Intersection with One Lane Approach with Two Overhead Signals
• Figure 3-7: More Than One Primary Overhead Signal Per Lane, Plus Pole-Mounted Secondary and Tertiary Signal Heads
• Figure 3-8: Two Overhead Signals for a One Lane Approach and Supplemental Pole-Mounted Signal
• Figure 3-9: Approach View of Supplemental Signal on Near Side at Intersection
• Figure 3-10: Supplemental Signal for an Intersection in the Middle of a Reverse Curve
• Figure 3-11: Comparison of Signal Heads Using 8-in. and 12-in. Lenses
• Figure 3-12: Louvers Used on Traffic Signals on Two Closely Spaced Approaches
• Figure 3-13: Alternative Arrangements of Two Red-Signal Sections
• Figure 3-14: Field Use of Two Red-Signal Sections
• Figure 3-15: Traffic Signals with Backplates
• Figure 3-16: Signal with High Intensity Yellow Retroreflective Tape on the Backplate
• Figure 3-17: SIGNAL AHEAD Sign
• Figure 3-18: Example of AWF and Sign Treatment
• Figure 3-19: Example of AWF and Sign Treatment
• Figure 3-20: Rumble Strips and Pavement Markings Used to Alert Drivers of Signal Ahead
• Figure 3-21: LEFT-TURN SIGNAL Signs at an Intersection
• Figure 3-22: Factors to Consider in Signal Removal
• Figure 3-23: Roundabout
• Figure 3-24: Summary of Engineering Countermeasures by Category

CHAPTER 4

• Figure 4-1: Red-Light Running Problem Identification
• Figure 4-2: Traffic Signal Field Review Checklist
• Figure 4-3: Example of Signal View Restricted Utility Wires
• Figure 4-4: Placement of Rat Box at an Intersection
• Figure 4-5: Enforcement Light Installation

CHAPTER 5

• Figure 5-1: Infrastructure-Based ITS System that Warns Potential Red-Light Violators Approaching Intersection

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