Intersection Collision Avoidance Warning System
 This is an experimental project developed with FHWA approval
to improve the safety of non-signalized intersections having
sever line of sight limitations. Facts about the new sign
can be seen by clicking on the sign. (pdf) This system is
the first to be installed in Maine and is in the town of
Norridgewock.
For
years, drivers approaching the intersection of US Route
201A, Sophie May Lane and River Road in Norridgewock have
done so with caution due to severe sight distance limitations
caused by a concrete arch bridge. Hundreds of other locations
in Maine exhibit similarly dangerous “near miss” situations
caused by buildings, blind curves and hills, and other obstacles.
Often, traffic signal needs are not met, and it is prohibitively
costly to remove the obstacles.
MDOT
is poised to change these hazardous situations, and Norridgewock
has been selected as the first trial location in Maine to
test an innovative way to interactively warn motorists of
oncoming traffic. MDOT is testing traffic-actuated warning
signs facing the Sophie May Lane and River Road approaches
to the intersection. The signs are connected to vehicle
detectors on US Route 201A both north and south of the intersection.
Each sign array consists of a “Vehicles Approaching” sign
and another sign depicting the outlines of two automobiles,
one approaching from the left, the other from the right.
The interactive signs work as follows:
·
First,
a vehicle must stop at the stop signs to activate the system.
·
Second,
both car outlines will light for two seconds to indicate
the system is operational.
·
Third,
if there is a vehicle approaching on Route 201A, the appropriate
vehicle outline will flash for an additional nine seconds
to warn the driver of approaching traffic and to allow time
for the oncoming vehicle to clear the intersection.
If
the system is down, either the car outlines will not light
when a vehicle stops on a side road, or the lights will
continuously flash, alternating between the left and right
car outlines.
MDOT
has used the technology in other applications, but the system
is unique to Maine because it is the first time that a vehicle
detection system is being used to warn motorists on side
roads of approaching traffic. The new system is designed
to aid the driver in making a decision, but it is still
up to the driver to decide when it is safe to proceed --
it is not intended to replace driver judgment.
Two
other locations will be selected later this year to test
the experimental signs. If successful, the low-cost system
may be implemented on a statewide basis.
NORRIDGEWOCK SIGN STUDY (pdf)
Route 4 Corridor Safety Study
This study looks at crash data from 1995 to 1997 on Route
4 from Lake Shore Road in Auburn to the Livermore Falls
town line. In the three year period there were a total of
389 crashes including 6 fatalities and 52 severe injuries
resulting in nearly $32 million in economic impact. Significant
findings include:
-
The section studied experienced a lower than expected
crash rate when compared with similar arterials and
statewide average rates, but the severity of the crashes
on Route 4 were significantly greater than the statewide
average severity for similar roads.
-
The fatal crash ratio (fatal crashes/total crashes)
was nearly four times that of the statewide average.
-
The percentage of crashes that involved a personal
injury was 9% higher than the statewide average and
was higher than any other roadway section studied.
-
The significant crash types included head-on crashes,
crashes with animals, crashes with commercial vehicles,
crashes on curved sections of roadway, crashes involving
drivers over the age of 50, crashes on cloudy days,
crashes at dusk or dark, crashes that occurred at driveways,
crashes involving fatigues/asleep drivers, and crashes
involving drivers who were under the influence/drinking/using
drugs.
-
The primary contributing factors for crashes were improper
passing, failure to yield, speed, driver inattention,
driver inexperience, and following too close.
Crash Analysis for Standish,
ME
This study looks at data for crashes from 1997 through 1999
for multiple routes in Standish. During the study period
there were a total of 656 crashes resulting in 7 fatalities,
20 severe injuries, 144 moderate injures and 172 possible
injuries, with an estimated economic impact of $32,272,000.
SPEED STUDY:
TRENDS IN MAINE FOR CRASHES
INVOLVING ILLEGAL / UNSAFE SPEED
For
complete copies of a report or more information please contact:
Maine Department of Transportation
Bureau of Planning
Safety Management Section
16 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0016
207-287-8244
email: Safety Management
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