Decreasing the Potential for Human Error
Everyone makes mistakes and unfortunately, many happen behind the wheel of a car. Studies show that more than 90 percent of motor vehicle crashes are caused, at least in part, by human error. However, roadway upgrades such as roundabouts and sidewalks could reduce that number.
According to a new infrastructure report from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, roadway improvements have the potential to save 63,700 lives and prevent 400,000 serious injuries over 20 years.
“We can save tens of thousands of lives and make our roadways safer by investing in low-cost improvements that we already know exist,” said Dr. David Yang, AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, executive director. “Now is the time to act by targeting limited resources where they will have the greatest impact.”
The study says six cost-effective changes could lessen both the likelihood and consequences of crashes:
- Converting key intersections into roundabouts
- Installing roadside barriers and clearing roadside objects
- Adding sidewalks and signalized pedestrian crossings
- Installing median barriers on divided highways
- Installing shoulder and centerline rumble strips
- Paving and widening shoulders
While the investment of $146 billion outlined in the Foundation report will have a significant national-level impact, increased funding is required at all levels of government to reverse America’s current infrastructure crisis. AAA encourages state and local governments to prioritize safer highway design, improve road conditions and eliminate roadside hazards.
“We must invest in infrastructure improvements that not only account for today’s needs, but also prioritize needs for the future, including the potentially lifesaving technology of autonomous vehicles,” said AAA President and CEO Marshall L. Doney. “AAA urges the Administration to make repairing and maintaining America’s highways and bridges a top legislative priority of President Trump’s promised $1 trillion Infrastructure package.”
