CRASHES AT TRAFFIC SIGNALS - GUIDELINES FOR A TRAFFIC ENGINEERING SAFETY PROGRAM OF REPLACING SELECTED INTERSECTION SIGNALS WITH ROUNDABOUTS

Traffic signals, though effective in reducing crashes between vehicles on intersecting streets, do not alleviate all intersection crash types and, in fact, often result in an increase in right-turn-against crashes. Furthermore, intersections controlled by traffic signals generally exhibit lower safety performance than comparable intersections controlled by roundabouts. This study examines the scope for achieving immediate safety benefits through the replacement of selected intersection signals with roundabouts, where it is both appropriate in terms of safety and overall traffic management objectives and economically justified. The report recommends: 1) program-based traffic engineering safety guidelines for replacing intersection signals with roundabouts at appropriate locations; and 2) that guidelines for the assessment of proposed new signals be reviewed to ensure that full recognition is given to the inherent differences in safety performance of roundabouts and intersection signals. The concept is shown to have a sound economic base and is well suited to a targeted approach, directed at locations collectively contributing a sizeable proportion of the casualty crash problem in Victoria. (Author/TRRL)