TRAFFIC CONTROL AND ACCIDENTS AT RURAL HIGH-SPEED INTERSECTIONS (WITH DISCUSSION AND CLOSURE)

In many instances, when rural high-speed highways are constructed, there are a number of at-grade intersections along the roadway. These rural high-speed intersections create accident potential because of the conflicting traffic movements. The objectives of this study were to (a) determine the types of traffic control measures used at rural high-speed intersections, (b) establish the type of accidents that occur at rural high-speed intersections, (c) discover the factors that contribute to these accidents, and (d) recommend traffic control measures that could most effectively decrease accident potential at such locations. The site characteristics, traffic control used, and accidents that occurred at 65 rural high-speed intersections were summarized. The differences that resulted when the right of way was controlled by stop signs instead of a traffic signal are discussed. The factors that contributed to the accidents and the characteristics of the accidents were analyzed. The data obtained at each intersection were summarized, and recommendations that could be used as a guide for implementing changes at other, similar intersections were made for the study locations. The accident analysis shows that providing the driver adequate warning of the intersection is of primary importance for this type of intersection. At signalized intersections, providing a proper change interval and maximizing the visibility of the signal heads are essential. The need to consider separate left-turn phasing also is shown.