Project Benefits

• Identify the relevant rural intersection crash problems in each member state
• Review and reach consensus on the nature of a new approach to communicating intersection conditions to drivers; allowing them to make better decisions about entering the intersection
• Work with member states to bring their test intersection into a national demonstration of the new system

 

Project Team

• State’s DOTs
• USDOT
• University of Minnesota
• CH2MHill

 

Project Documents

• Review of Minnesota's Rural Intersection Crashes: Methodology for Identifying Intersections for Intersection Decision Support (IDS) (May 2004)

• Review of Michigan's Rural Intersection Crashes: Application of Methodology for Identifying Intersections for Intersection Decision Support (IDS) (August 2006)

• Review of North Carolina's Rural Intersection Crashes: Application of Methodology for Identifying Intersections for Intersection Decision Support (August 2006)

• Review of Georgia's Rural Intersection Crashes: Application of Methodology for Identifying Intersections for Intersection Decision Support (IDS) (January 2007)

• Review of Iowa's Rural Intersection Crashes: Application of Methodology for Identifying Intersections for Intersection Decision Support (IDS) (January 2007)

 

Reducing Crashes at Rural Intersections: Toward Multi-State Consensus on Intersection Decision Support

 

Project Description

 

Crashes at rural thru-stop intersections frequently involve drivers on minor roadways failing to select a proper gap in traffic when entering high-speed, high-volume highways. Preliminary information seems to point to drivers’ inability to correctly identify and select safe gaps to enter an intersection.

 

This problem was also identified by NCHRP Study #17-18(3) which developed guidelines for the implementation of Strategic Highway Safety Plans. In the report, Objective 17.1.4 is, “Assist drivers in judging gap sizes at unsignalized intersections.” This objective embodies the focus of a Transportation Pooled Fund (TPF-5(086)) effort that was initiated in 2004 through the Federal Highway Administration. The nine participating states and University of Minnesota research team have combined their resources to develop a better understanding of the causes of crashes at rural thru-stop intersections and then identify an effective strategy to mitigate crashes.

 

A portable surveillance system, consisting of the following four components, is being used in each of the members’ states to collect intersection data.

 

• Radar stations for mainline traffic surveillance
• Lidar stations for both vehicle classification and median vehicle trajectory tracking
• Main computer station housed in a lockable trailer with a video camera to capture unusual events at the intersection
• Power distribution system including generators, transformer, auxiliary fuel tanks, cables, and automatic starting system