Multi-Method Investigation of Pedestrian Safety Impacts of Right-Turn Lanes

Dedicated right-turn lanes reduce traffic delays on urban roads (Potts et al., 2007), and typically results in a reduction in motor vehicle crashes for both urban and rural roadways, although the magnitude of the crash reduction is greater for rural compared to urban roadways, and unsignalized intersections compared to signalized intersections (Harwood et al., 2003). However, the safety impact of dedicated right-turn lanes on pedestrian safety is relatively understudied. The objective of the proposed study is to more clearly determine the consequences to pedestrian safety posed by the features of conventional right-turn lanes. The safety consequences to pedestrians will be assessed looking at available research, crash data, and observable human behavior in right-turn lanes both on urban roads in Minnesota and in a safe, simulated environment. This study will add value by fostering livable communities by determining the trade-off between efficiency in traffic flow with right-turn lanes versus the potential risk to pedestrian safety and lives.

    Language

    • English

    Project

    • Status: Active
    • Funding: $156540
    • Contract Numbers:

      1036342 WO#21

    • Sponsor Organizations:

      Minnesota Department of Transportation

      395 John Ireland Boulevard
      St Paul, MN  United States  55155

      Local Road Research Board

      395 John Ireland Boulevard
      St. Paul, Minnesota  United States  55155-1899
    • Performing Organizations:

      University of Minnesota

      Department of Mechanical Engineering
      111 Church Street SE
      Minneapolis, MN  United States  55455
    • Principal Investigators:

      Craig, Curtis

    • Start Date: 20210625
    • Expected Completion Date: 20250630
    • Actual Completion Date: 0

    Subject/Index Terms

    Filing Info

    • Accession Number: 01762509
    • Record Type: Research project
    • Source Agency: Minnesota Department of Transportation
    • Contract Numbers: 1036342 WO#21
    • Files: RIP, STATEDOT
    • Created Date: Jan 22 2021 10:42AM