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FHWA Proven Safety Countermeasureshttps://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/provencountermeasures/

FHWA Safety websitehttps://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/

Today's agenda has been placed in this chat.

Has the funded project list been published/posted already?

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I couldn't find the G** code for Caltrans timesheet. Is there one for this class?

Los Angeles, CA - Kimley-Horn

City of Los Angeles, Vision Zero

city of Dublin, Transportation and Traffic

nonprofit, Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative (LANI)

Health Educator with Fresno County Department of Public Health, CalFresh Healthy Living & State Physical Activity and Nutrition programs.

Does 55% crash reduction for ped hybrid beacon include other lighted devices e.g. RRFB? Or only ped hybrid beacons?

The 55% crash reduction is only for PHB. The RRFBs can reduce pedestrian crashes by 47%.

awesome, thanks!

Where can I get a copy of the powerpoint

can you drop the link to the video?

increase the volume

Safe Systems Approach Videohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MigxAs0KjBw

For your convenience, the presentation PowerPoints and agenda can be found here:Portal URL -- https://apps.cce.csus.edu/portal/?forumID=6248

Preliminary data shows traffic fatalities are up sharply in 2020 :( Fatality rates may see the highest increase since 1924.

Impacts to peds at various vehicle speeds also apply to cyclists.

There is a direct correlation between higher speeds and higher deaths.

A survey in Sacramento found the average speed on residential streets was over 35 mph!

Is there a similar graphic containing 15mph and 25mph? If so, can you share? I'd like to use for 15 mph school speed limits. Thank you

Is LPI widely used in California?

Is there a warrant for LPI or a standard condition that could be used for justifying the installation?

LPI is used in a number of locations. I know the City of Sacramento has been using them for years, also used in South Lake Tahoe.

There have only been 8 known pedestrian and bicycle fatalities at all roundabouts in the US since 1990!

I think there continues to be a perception that roundabouts are less safe for pedestrians and bikes.

Here is a link to an FHWA informational video on LPIs with some additional information. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWzUkpgngGo

FHWA's Handbook for Designing Roadways for the Aging Population recommends the use of the LPI at intersections with high turning vehicle volumes.

Not likely to be warrants for LPI, but here is some information on where to use themUse LPIs at intersections where heavy turning traffic comes into conflict with crossing pedestrians during the permissive phase of the signal cycle. LPIs are typically applied where both pedestrian volumes and turning volumes are high enough to warrant an additional dedicated interval for pedestrian-only traffic.https://nacto.org/publication/urban-street-design-guide/intersection-design-elements/traffic-signals/leading-pedestrian-interval/

Does the data indicate the non-intersection fatalities are crossing related? Are uncontrolled crossing locations the same as non-intersection locations?

The increase in bike use is likely a contributing factor, along with higher vehicle speeds. E-bikes allow people to ride faster, and that may lead to some cyclists getting into situations they can’t control.

There are ped crossing conflicts at roundabouts. However, at most roundabouts, the peds only have to look one direction at a time to cross from the side to the splitter island, and while crossing from the splitter island to the side. In addition, vehicles are travelling much slower coming out of the roundabout and have the opportunity to see and stop for peds.

Vongsa, Caltrans has institutionalized LPIs. Shortly they will be coming out with a memo that provides guidance on the installation of them.

Of the 8 bike and ped fatals at roundabouts I mentioned earlier, only 5 were peds in 30 years. That is remarkable.

Thank you. I have implemented LPIs at several intersections with high right turn volumes in my city. Now I’ve received questions from the public why it isn’t installed at other locations, and I don’t have a great response without policies to point to. Without warrants or standard procedures it is difficult to explain. My other concern is liability, if there is an injury in another intersection without LPI, the personal injury lawyers will ask why different standard are being applied. Really hoping the CAMUTCD can be elaborate on this in the next update.

David Chiu introduced AB 550 to allow cities in CA to install speed cameras to control driver speed.

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220AB550

You can consider uncontrolled and mid-block to be the same thing.

For PHB, MUTCD calls out to look at the # of Peds crossing at that location during a specified time frame. the countermeasure table you showed earlier uses speed and volumes only. Should the # of peds crossing be taken into account when designing for a PHB

I would advise developing numeric criteria and guidelines for guiding the use of LPIs then prioritizing locations based on that criteria,. You jurisdiction’s attorney may have additional advice to lower liability.

Yes, ped volumes, as well as ped types, are an important consideration. Drivers need to see the reason they are stopped.

Without CA-MUTCD guidance/standards, LPI can create a liability issue for agencies.

Fig. 54 has a better sign for PHBs to use. Clearer communication and education to drivers on how to use a PHB that the one show on the slide (which is basic). Stop when flashing, then proceed when clearhttps://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/safety/16040/006.cfmAlso at https://www.ci.neenah.wi.us/departments/public-works/traffic/traffic-signals/

Rob, thanks for mentioning the speed cameras.

How to stop the chat pop ups?

here is a better quality image https://austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/images/ped_hyb_signal.JPGEducation is key we have found.

Bike/ped tunnels can be short to get people around short obstacles. This is the Mouse Hole in Truckee. https://www.google.com/maps/@39.317342,-120.2052229,3a,75y,322.36h,93.75t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sUFn1XfNRLjkgzVM1nlh7FA!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en

Another case study. La Jolla Boulevard case study for road diet that included roundabouts to reduce delay and improve safety.https://www.pps.org/article/road-diet-la-jolla-a-jewel-of-a-street

Bike Safety LinksFHWA Proven Safety Countermeasureshttps://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/provencountermeasures/NHTSA Data Visualization Tool (May take some time to load)https://explore.dot.gov/views/DV_FARS_PD/Home?:iid=1&:isGuestRedirectFromVizportal=y&:embed=ySafe Transportation for Every Pedestrian (STEP)https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/ped_bike/step/resources/STEP Guide for Improving Pedestrian Safety at Uncontrolled Crossing Locationshttps://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/ped_bike/step/docs/STEP_Guide_for_Improving_Ped_Safety_at_Unsig_Loc_3-2018_07_17-508compliant.pdfBikeway Selection Guidehttps://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/ped_bike/tools_solve/docs/fhwasa18077.pdfRoad Diet Informational Guidehttps://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/road_diets/guidance/info_guide/

Additional Links

Crash Factors in Intersection-Related Crashes: An on-Scene Perspectivehttps://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/811366FHWA Raised Crosswalkshttps://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/ped_bike/step/docs/techSheet_RaisedCW2018.pdfFHWA Safety websitehttps://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/

Thank you Maria. Great resources

You are welcome Susie.

Love how you guys all work together.

20%

SF has been using LPI for years without negative litigation, that I know of.

Additional Bike Safety Resource: https://rethinkingstreets.com/

How can we access all these links after meeting is over?

Average cost for PHB in bay area?

Feel free to copy and paste the text from the chat into a Word doc.

@ Robert, hope to help City of Fowler and South West Fresno be in a better position to apply next time.

With cities implementing more bike/ped countermeasures over the last ten years, do we know why severe/fatal collisions are still on the rise? More cyclists/peds on the road in general?

**BREAK ** Please return at 10:50am

How to disable the chat pop ups. It is distracting

9:50AM :)

The MUTCD webinars have a registration limit, and the capacity was doubled a day or two ago. Sign up quick! The webinars will also be recorded.

Link to MUTCD webinars - https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/index.htm

The City of Modesto has installed the High Friction Surface treatment at two locations within the City. Three years prior we had 4-6 accidents a year. The year after we had 0 accidents!

Thanks Scott. Were these locations at intersections, curves or someplace else?

I am unable to sign up. I get a message that the limit has been reached already.

Both locations were sharp curves

Is there any guidance for clear zones in urban areas? We are receiving a lot of request for parklets, and outdoor dining, or noticing businesses are installing themselves without consulting with the City. Are there clear zone standards for more urban/suburban settings?

Please list any questions you have for roadway departures.

Andrew, I believe there is some guidance in the Roadside Safety Design course. I will look in my notes to see if I can find anything. I would say you want to minimize any trees greater than 4" as well as poles or other obstacles as far as possible away from the curb and gutter. Stay tuned...

Have there been any considerations or study made for Rolling Barriers, as used in Korea?

Space is the biggest factor in urban areas and it would seem that narrower roadways, slower vehicle speeds (20mph) and safer bike/ped protected infrastructure is favored over expanding clear zones of shoulders.

Thank you, I know AASHTO requires 18" from face of curb and that's the standard we typically apply. However we are starting to see outdoor dining on the encroaching into the on street parking areas with no curb and very little separation from edge of travel way

Local/Rural/Tribal Resources VIRTUAL Booth https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/local_rural/tribal/Local_Rural_Local_Road_Virtual_Trade_Show.pdf

Roadway Departure Safety Webpage: https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/roadway_dept

https://wonderfulengineering.com/new-rolling-barrier-system-could-save-many-lives/

https://interestingengineering.com/this-new-korean-rolling-barrier-system-could-save-millions-of-lives

see attached - https://interestingengineering.com/this-new-korean-rolling-barrier-system-could-save-millions-of-lives

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Link to PENNDOT Amends Rumble Strip Guidelines To Improve Bicycle Compatibility - https://bicyclecoalition.org/penndot-amends-rumble-strip-guidelines-to-improve-bicycle-compatibility/

**BREAK** Please return at 10:50

Another countermeasure to consider when discussing edge lines is to increase the width from 4" to 6". Recent studies show when this is done on a 2 - lane rural road, there can be up to a 17.5% crash reduction factor for all crashes and up to a 36.5% crash reduction factor for all F and I crashes as per Park CMF ID 4736 and 4737.

All that kinetic energy has to go somewhere in a crash. People are not good at absorbing energy!

Can this video link be added to chat?

Can you drop that link?

I'd like to help educate residents in our community

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6B8gmCpMXMw

One of our Board of Supervisors said at a public meeting that Roundabouts are a "Caltrans Socialist Plot". How do we change public perception of these safety features? has anyone been successful.

our local council voted against roundabouts too.

Has there been data regarding effectiveness Flashing Yellow Arrow signals?

You have to educate them on the conflict points. Our council was resistant but it takes time for people to get used to it. Not all are convinced its the best, but they cannot deny the safety enhancement

because there is a lot of ag semi ad trucks at hwy99 and merced street entrances and exits

Fatality reduction data convinced our City Council

And maintenance cost comparison

Thank you.

RCUT seems counter to the fast lane on a highspeed road. Does it increase rear end conflicts (acknowledging rear ends are not as severe)?

Andrew, To better answer your question about CRZ in urban areas, this area should be a combination of lateral or operational offset (1.5') plus a clear zone. In a study to evaluate crashes with fixed objects on urban corridors with a raised curb, 93% + of the crashes happened within 6' of the travel way, 82%+ within 4' and 62%+ within 2'. This should give you a little idea of how much CRZ to provide with what impediments you have on the side of the road. I would shoot for 4 - 6'. In regards to trees being a barrier for pedestrians, FARS data from 2008 showed 48 pedestrians were killed on the roadside vs. 395 people were killed from impacts with trees on the same streets. This goes back to the comment about no trees greater than 4". Finally, I can pictures the scene you present regarding seating for restaurants outside close to the curb. I don't have any answer for this other than view the speed and volume of vehicles passing by and talk with owners about the safety impacts.

Here is one source for FYA, with some research. Some locations have seen mixed results. Effectiveness will likely vary based on the approach used for left turns – whether they are protected, permitted, or protected-permitted. https://www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/signals/flashingyellowarrow.html#:~:text=A%20safer%2C%20more%20efficient%20left,after%20yielding%20to%20oncoming%20traffic.

In 2016, Caltrans did a before and after study of crashes of roundabouts on state state highways. At that time, they found a 100% reduction in Fatal and Serious Injury crashes and 67% reduction of total crashes.

The skepticism for roundabouts is often unfounded and based on fear of change. Obviously, these are hard to overcome, regardless of overwhelming safety data. The Kansas State University ListServe has a lot of professionals that address this. You can sign up for the listserve at https://trbroundabouts.com/listserv/ Persistence is certainly needed. It may also be beneficial to work with community advocates to get support, and meet with city leaders one on one.

Erin and Susie, You need to have Hillary with Steve and Ivy's support help you persuade your Boards about these misconceptions. Once one goes in and their fears are relieved, they will want more. This is what I was referring to as far as the assistance we (FHWA and Caltrans) can offer to you! Take advantage of it.

Are the roundabout crash % reductions the same for an urban intersection of 2-lane roadways with 25mph speed limits?

Proven Safety Countermeasureshttps://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/provencountermeasures/FHWA Intersection Safety Case Studyhttps://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/intersection/innovative/roundabouts/case_studies/fhwasa09013/Guidelines for Timing Yellow and All-Red Intervals at Signalized Intersections (NCHRP Report 731)http://www.trb.org/Publications/Blurbs/168017.aspxFHWA Traffic Signal Timing Manualhttps://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/fhwahop08024/chapter4.htm#4.5Restricted Crossing U-Turn Intersectionhttps://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/intersection/alter_design/pdf/fhwasa14070_rcut_infoguide.pdfFHWA Safety websitehttps://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/

We are installing more roundabouts as a result of the documented safety, operational, and air quality benefits. However, after digging into the ICE safety analysis, the CMFs for roundabouts don’t usually distinguish between single lane and multi-lane roundabouts. The data in the CMF clearinghouse is a bit of mixed bag when it comes to multilane roundabouts. We have a few multi-lane roundabouts under design and the complexity and costs have increased tremendously to include additional safety measures recommended in the NCHRP reports. I’ve been revisiting the original ICE analysis and wondering if the B/C ratios are still accurate. Are you aware of any available resources on the safety effects of a single lane roundabout versus a multilane roundabout?

What is throughput of a 4-lane roundabout compared to signalized intersection?

@Jonathan Yee - there are different crash experiences for urban vs rural and single lane vs multi-lane roundabouts. NCHRP 672: Roundabouts: An informational guide

Rural roundabouts on high speed roadways have nearly a 90% reduction in fatal and injury crashes. Most of these are single lane roundabouts. The break down on roundabout safety can be found in the Highway Safety Manual and in the NCHRP 672 Exhibit 5-9 that shows the breakdown by setting.

that is very helpful. does anyone have links to staff reports or presentations they did to convince councils or boards?

@ Rob Bregoff - Single lane roundabouts have capacities upwards of 27,000 AADT and two lane roundabouts have capacities near 45,000 AADT. Of course, the peak hour flows and turning movements make a difference on specifics including delays and queues. FHWA capacity research can found here and is the basis for HCM 6 roundabout models (https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/intersection/roundabouts/fhwasa15070.pdf).

Good videos from WSDOT

Danielle Casey, Lake County APC here. We are the land of Roundabouts. It is very hard and a long process for drivers to learn the mechanics of roundabouts.

Thank you for the encouragement

Lake County's roundabouts are done really well

Yes the data is good, but educating the population about the proper way to use them is difficult and a big learning "curve"

small rural town sometimes change is hard

Here are some roundabout facts from National Roundabouts Week from the past - https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/NRW/ and #Roundaboutsweek

Monterey County started Roundabout education since 2003 - our City is on its 4th roundabout project

Awesome success stories about roundabouts!

Hillary, the link doesn't work with the parentheses. Try https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/intersection/roundabouts/fhwasa15070.pdf

@Ednie Delos Santos, great job on the roundabout at Hwy 1 & 68!

We did a presentation to elected officials in Monterey County on roundabout safety about five years ago!

thank you

Freakanomics podcast on roundabouts from March 10, 2021 https://freakonomics.com/podcast/roundabouts/

thank you so much everyone

Why do roundabouts cost so much more to construct than installation of a traffic signal?

@Hillary, thanks for sharing these resources on roundabouts for the audience.

Higher Costs are usually associated with ROW acquisition

**LUNCH** We will be back at 12:30PM to resume the presentations

We have a CT funded SSARP (that we just finished in '18/'19); we are not averse to doing an LRSP, but want to know what the purpose and value in doing so is now, right on the heels of doing the SSARP enabled and funded by CT.

https://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/protected-bike-lanes-are-coming-west-palm-what-are-they/fuIC7VgBeijTiwobF1VKmJ/ article on the west palm beach "dutch style" roundabout.

Can you drop the video link

Michael, I'm sure Robert wants to chime in here, but I'll just add that the LRSP includes all 4 Es (eng., enf., ed., emsa) whereas the SSAP only focuses in on engineering countermeasures. This is the value of the LRSP as there are more layers of redundancy in preventing F + SI crashes under the safe systems approach.

New South Wales Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ra5LK8x86zU

How can we be "proactive" on roadways that have no collisions, or very low collisions? The perspective in the past has been, if there are no collisions, then the roadway/intersection is functioning as intended - thus, there are no problems to solve.

Michael, You can be proactive by using the systemic approach as we will discuss in the last presentation today. Crashes especially in rural areas are random and we will give an example to show this.

emsa?

we do "data based decision making". How can we use anecdotal information in a data-based framework? We see all the time that "speeding" is often overestimated. If we get anecdotal information that cars are just driving "too damn fast", how is this actionable? Perception is not always reality.

Sorry, Emergency Medical Services Authority

thanks!

And thank you Ken - I saw your message after I had the last one typed. I do want to do what is best - but we must be careful going forward. If we implement one things, too many times citizens take that as permission to demand it elsewhere.

Local Road Safety Plan Video Videohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wzdm798MoI8

Michael, Understand and agreed.

In our region, we combined all of the funds and our MPO hired a consultant to make a plan for our entire region, so the money should go farther.

I like it Erin. We have seen this in other parts of CA too. I think this will help the individual local agencies with their priorities as well as the continuity and consistency across jurisdictions.

@Robert, is the Fresno County Transportation Safety Improvement Plan equivalent to the LRSP?

Caltrans HSIP Webpage: https://dot.ca.gov/programs/localassistance/fed‐and‐stateprograms/highway‐safety‐improvementprogram

Tribal Safety Plan Resources: https://www.tribalsafety.org/safety‐planning‐resources

LRSP DIY Website: https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/LRSPDIY/

Hi Susan, It should be. Take a look at the areas that LRSPs cover and if your plan is very similar, it should be ok. You can send it to me, if you want me to confirm.

No, but i'll ask Tracy to let them in.

Is there a geospatial analysis component on the LRSP DIY website?

Hillary, great presentation.

This is wonderful. I am so glad to see the personal connection being added here. :)

From 1973 to 1974, fatalities dropped by 17% per capita (similar VMT) because national highway speed limit was capped at 55MPH. Shouldn't this be part of the conversation?

How would DUI's addressed?

Matiel, Our sister agency, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have been and will continue to focus on this issue (DUI) through their "Countermeasures that Work."

**BREAK** Please return at 1:50pm

CalSTA did a series of workshops in 2019 for the" Zero Traffic Fatalities Task Force." Workshop 3 focused on speed limits, speed management and speed enforcement. Here is the link to that ongoing effort that may be helpful regarding your question on speed limits. https://calsta.ca.gov/subject-areas/enforcement-and-safety/zero-traffic-fatalities

Would a Community Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Training formal enough to meet RSA? Calwalks and UC Berkeley Safe Trec helped us conduct this audit.

limited view

site distance - chevrons - advance warning signs

T-Intersection warning sign w/ probably a 25 to 30 mph advisory speed plaque

guard rail before the rock outcopping.

No signs, need chevron signs needed

how about a stop sign

Or slippery when wet

yield maybe

Advanced warning signs, esp for road/driveway

curve ahead

limit movement to right in right out

high friction

little to no shoulder

new striping/more reflective

Reflective chevrons

not enough clear zone

mirror

Does FHWA/Caltrans have specific guidance on the use of mirrors?

Ken great job!

I don't think Caltrans has any guidance on the use of mirrors. Our county received a request to install mirrors on our road. Our county did not install any mirrors citing liability issues.

We also had vandalism issues with mirrors that became a hazard.

right edge line

no stop ahead sign

chevrons/intersection ahead sign … stop sign ahead as well.

chevrons, edgeline, stop ahead

Advance warning - Need Stop ahead pavement markings, edge lines

advance warning sign

Flashing

Flashing stop sign

W3-1 SIGN AND PM

Stop ahead pavement markers, rumble strips, flashing beacons

rumble strips

roundabout

T intersection

botts dots

lighting

increase the r1 to 36"

Roundabout!

STOP AHEAD sign W3-1

signs For both roads

**BREAK** Please return at 2:40PM

I see it

I can see it

Augusta

FHWA Systemic safety short video - https://youtu.be/iGlFGvxmoiQ