Traffic Engineering Considerations

Motor vehicle crashes claimed the lives of 41,967 people in 1997; of those, 16,189 were alcohol-related. No one should drive a motor vehicle while impaired, but many choose to do so. There are certain measures the traffic engineer can take to help lessen the effects to those impaired drivers who have chosen to operate a motor vehicle and put themselves and others at risk.

• All drivers and especially impaired drivers can benefit from clear, conspicuous, and consistent traffic control devices, such as signs, signals, and pavement markings. While traffic engineering departments strive to properly install and maintain traffic control devices for all drivers, the impaired driver benefits significantly from conspicuous signs and devices, such as rumble strips.

• Be guided by principle and regulations of the National Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).

• Maintain STOP, YIELD, DO NOT ENTER, and warning signs in new-like condition and in an obvious location for their intended meaning. (See photo A-D, page 31.)

• Use street name signs with the large 8-inch letters in a conspicuous location that will help the impaired or confused driver locate his or her intended direction more easily. (See photo E, page 31.)

• Provide training for members of the traffic engineering department, law enforcement agency and emergency personnel to be alert for undesirable installation or hazardous situations that could be improved by a better display of signs, pavement markings, or other traffic control devices.

• Use clear-meaning signs and traffic control devices in a work zone to guide the driver through what may be a changed or unfamiliar travel pattern. (See photo F, page 31.)

• Install rumble strips on roads with high rates of run-off-the-road crashes to alert impaired or drowsy drivers that they are leaving the roadway.

Technology can help in the detection of traffic violations of all motorists, including impaired drivers. Red Light Running (RLR) projects use photographic equipment to detect violations of traffic control devices, most notably traffic lights. It is estimated that there are over 20 RLR projects in this country. At least two projects have matured operationally to be used as resources. For details on their effectiveness, please contact Mr. John R. DiLavore, New York City Red Light Camera Project at (718) 786-8509 or Ms. Edwina Cloherty, Boston Transportation Department at (617) 635-3070.

Traffic engineers can help alleviate the problems associated with impaired driving by involving themselves with safety advocacy groups and taskforces that have established a Safe Communities program in their community – every state has them. Over 400 Safe Communities are operational in locations throughout the country. You can help strengthen these communities by actively participating on these taskforces or by taking the lead to establish a taskforce and designating your community as a safe community. To learn where these taskforces are located, or how to establish a new one, contact your Governor’s Highway Safety Representative or your National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Regional Office (lists are included in this planner).

Work with Safe Communities and other groups to identify roadside hazards and provide appropriate countermeasures such as improved traffic control devices, guardrails, crash cushions, and rumble strips.

Increase public understanding of the meaning of traffic control devices and signs by working with Safe Communities and reading the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Read Your Road Guide to Safe Driving. This publication can be found on FHWA’s Web site (http://www.ohs.fhwa.dot.gov/outreach/ryr/index.htm). For additional information, contact FHWA’s Office of Highway Safety, Safety Outreach Team, fax (202) 366-2249.