Treatments for Crashes on Rural Two-Lane Highways in Texas

Most of the crashes in rural areas occur away from intersections and driveways (60%), while most urban crashes occur at or are related to either intersections or driveways (57%). The distribution of crashes by first harmful event also clearly shows an urban versus rural division. In urban areas, most of the crashes involve another vehicle (81%) while only about half in the rural area involve another vehicle (51%). Striking a fixed object is more common in rural areas (25%) than in urban areas (14%). This document provides transportation practitioners with information on crash characteristics for rural roads in Texas. It also presents discussion on low-cost safety treatments used on highways and at intersections along with their known effectiveness. Treatments discussed for highways include: rumble strips, passing improvements, two-way left-turn lanes, lane or shoulder widening, pavement edge drop-off improvements, pavement markings, mowing, skid resistance improvements, side slope flattening, recovery distance improvements, tree mitigation, culvert modifications, advance warning for horizontal curves, delineation, barrier reflectors, and animal countermeasures. Treatments discussed for intersections include: advance warning for intersections, approach rumble strips, left-turn bays, shoulder bypass lanes, intersection flashing beacons, signalization, high-intensity strobe lights, backplates on traffic signals, illumination, and sight obstruction reduction. Experiences with selected treatments in Texas, including whether the treatment would be considered elsewhere, are also included in the report.