LOW-COST SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS AT FREEWAY DISCONTINUITIES

Traffic shifts at freeway discontinuities (on and off exit ramps, weaving sections and lane drops) are possible sources of traffic accidents. Tapered freeway exits consist of two lanes with one initial exit lane and one tapered exit lane. This paper describes the effects of low-cost actions to better traffic operations at "tapered" freeway exits. Not much is known about how drivers use these exits, or about how safely the exits are used. This study looked at new road markings and traffic signs tested by two tapered exits. Impacts of these changes were ascertained by before and after observations. Traffic operations were assessed and drivers were interviewed. Analysis of results indicates a substantial decrease (greater than 50%) of the most undesirable driver behaviors. Safety measures did not negatively effect traffic flow characteristics. The drivers generally perceived the exits as safe to very safe.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/9040718520
• Corporate Authors:

  Delft University Press

  11 Mijnbouwplein
  Delft,   Netherlands 
• Authors:
  • Dijker, T
  • Boekholt, B J
  • Bovy, P H L
• Conference:
  • Second World Congress on Safety of Transportation: Imbalance between Growth and Safety?
  • Location: Delft, the Netherlands
  • Date: 1998-2-18 to 1998-2-20
• Publication Date: 1999

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 263-271

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Attitudes; Behavior; Cost effectiveness; Countermeasures; Drivers; Freeways; Lane drops; Off ramps; On ramps; Road markings; Safety; Traffic crashes; Traffic flow; Traffic lanes; Traffic safety; Traffic signs; Weaving sections
• Uncontrolled Terms: Tapered freeway exits
• Geographic Terms: Netherlands
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; I82: Accidents and Transport Infrastructure; I83: Accidents and the Human Factor;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00793822
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 9040718520
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 5 2000 12:00AM