Traffic safety is no accident involving careful, detailed analysis. When a particular location becomes the scene of repeated traffic collisions, the Region studies contributing factors and make plans to mitigate problems identified with that location.

Police submit reports of each accident but it's up to staff at the Niagara Region to collect and analyze developing patterns.

Norm Miller, Communications Consultant at the Niagara Region told the Thorold News, "Niagara Region Transportation Services Division oversees a holistic safety program which includes maintaining a collision database for reportable collisions, network screening and traffic volume analysis for all Regional Roadways. Identifying sites that require investigation for safety treatments is the first step taken by a transportation agency related to its safety management program."

Miller explained that identifying trouble spots provides the starting point.

"Identifying sites that require investigation for safety treatments is the first step taken by a transportation agency related to its safety management program," he said.

The process involves careful scrutiny and extensive research.

Miller explained, "A quantitative traffic safety approach to identify problematic locations which rank the candidate locations is based on mathematical equations which relate the number and type of collisions at a site to traffic volume and road characteristics. They are developed for each intersection type, and for different collision types, based on local historical collision data."

As an example, Miller detailed the steps taken to address the intersection of RR27 (East Main/Schisler) at RR84 (Moyer/Doans Ridge), where several accidents have occurred in recent years.

"Staff undertook a detailed analysis of the collision history over a five-year period, identified a predominant pattern of collisions, confirmed conflicts and potential impacts with video surveillance, and developed counter measures to improve the level of safety at the intersection," he explained.

As a result of their studies, they determined the predominant pattern of collisions were eastbound/westbound left-turning vehicles colliding with westbound/eastbound through vehicles.

The solution consists of short- and long-term project to reduce the risk at the high-collision intersection.

Miller explained, "Short-term counter measures included paint markings and signage, plus the installation of flexible delineators to deter passing on the shoulder, and signal timing adjustments. The Region is currently undergoing detailed design for a long-term capital improvement which includes geometric improvements by adding turn lanes for all directions."

The process may be long and time-consuming, but like any investigation, Regional staff understand that each situation is different and requires a unique solution to ensure it's done right the first time.

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The anatomy of traffic safety - ThoroldNews.com